Tsholotsho Woman Dies Months After Alleged Petrol Attack

By Staff Reporter | Tsholotsho

A Tsholotsho woman has died from severe burns sustained in an alleged attack by her husband, months after he reportedly accused her of having an affair. Ephraim Moyo of Mswigama Line is facing murder and attempted murder charges following the alleged attack on his wife, Anita Ndlovu, 32.

Moyo appeared before Tsholotsho Magistrate Godfrey Muzungu and was not asked to plead. He was remanded in custody to October 8 for routine remand and advised of his right to engage a lawyer and apply for bail at the Bulawayo High Court. According to the prosecution, the dispute began after Moyo allegedly found WhatsApp messages on Ndlovu’s phone which he interpreted as evidence of an extramarital affair.

The State alleges that on May 15, Moyo threatened to kill Ndlovu over the accusations, prompting her to leave their home and seek refuge at her parents’ residence in Mahangula Line. The prosecution further alleged that Moyo had previously assaulted Ndlovu by head-butting her and repeatedly striking her with a cooking pot.

Petrol attack at in-laws’ home

Prosecutor Nobuhle Mguni told the court that Moyo went to his in-laws’ home at about 7 pm on May 16, armed with an axe, machete and a five-litre container of petrol. The court heard that Moyo asked to speak to Ndlovu outside the homestead, where an argument allegedly broke out over bride-price money. He allegedly attacked Ndlovu with an axe before she escaped into a bedroom.

Ndlovu’s parents and the couple’s one-year-old child reportedly took refuge inside a three-roomed house and locked themselves in. According to the prosecution, Moyo demanded that they open the door and threatened to kill family members if they refused. When he allegedly failed to break down the door with an axe, Moyo is accused of smashing a window, pouring petrol into the room and throwing a lit match inside. The occupants eventually opened the door and escaped from the burning house with the child.

Woman suffered severe burns

The State further alleged that Moyo continued attacking Ndlovu during the chaos, striking her with the back of an axe on the head and right hand. The child was also allegedly struck on the neck and sustained a cut. Ndlovu suffered severe burns to her chest, stomach, right hand and both thighs and was taken to Tsholotsho District Hospital for treatment. Her father reportedly intervened and tried to restrain Moyo, while other villagers were summoned to the scene.

The prosecution said Moyo fled after seeing villagers approaching.

Ndlovu was later discharged from hospital at her own request, despite medical advice, and returned home. On September 15, at about 3 pm, she died at home from injuries sustained in the alleged attack, according to the State.

Suspect allegedly attempts suicide

The prosecution also told the court that Moyo allegedly attempted to take his own life after learning of his wife’s death. He reportedly went onto a road and threw himself in front of an approaching bus, sustaining injuries that required hospital treatment. The murder and attempted murder allegations were subsequently reported to police, resulting in Moyo’s arrest and court appearance. The allegations against Moyo have not yet been tested at trial, and he remains presumed innocent unless convicted by a competent court.

Tsholotsho woman dies after petrol attack