Kwekwe Religious Leader Remanded for Brutal Assault on Pregnant Wife: Newborn Dies Following Premature Labor

Kwekwe Magistrates' Court

Simabvu Shiri (37), the well-known founder of the Spring of Living Waters Church, has been remanded in prison following allegations of a brutal physical assault on his eight-month-pregnant wife. The victim, Trishia Samantha Maphosa (28), went into premature labor just days after the attack; tragically, the infant died within hours of birth.

The incident reportedly occurred last Sunday at the couple's home in Mbizo 4, Kwekwe. Shiri was apprehended by police on Thursday and made his initial appearance at the Kwekwe Magistrates’ Court on Friday.

According to Midlands Police spokesperson Inspector Emmanuel Mahoko, the assault was accompanied by chilling verbal threats. Maphosa reported to the authorities that Shiri not only physically attacked her while she was heavily pregnant but also explicitly threatened to end both her life and that of her unborn child.

Following the trauma, Maphosa was admitted to a local hospital, where she delivered prematurely. The newborn passed away the following day, a tragedy that has sparked public outrage given Shiri's position of spiritual authority.

This is not Shiri’s first encounter with the law regarding violent conduct. Inspector Mahoko confirmed that the religious leader has a documented criminal record:

• 2024 Conviction: Shiri was sentenced to 12 months in prison for the physical assault of his own congregants.

The recurring nature of his violent outbursts has raised serious questions regarding the safety of those within his ministry and his household.

Shiri has been denied bail for the initial remand period. He faces multiple charges, including:

1. Assault

2. Threatening behavior (Death threats)

His trial is officially scheduled to commence next Wednesday, March 11, 2026. Prosecutors may seek further charges depending on the medical reports linking the assault to the premature labor and subsequent death of the infant.

Simabvu Shiri arrested Kwekwe