Shamva artisanal miner kills four-months-pregnant wife over alleged affair

A 41-year-old Shamva artisanal miner is on the run after allegedly murdering his 32-year-old pregnant wife with a hammer after accusing her of having an affair.

The suspect has been identified as Leonard Padzikamambo Mubaira, who works at Bester Mine in Shamva.

National police spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi confirmed the incident and said investigations were ongoing.

The victim has been identified as Everjoy Amos, who was four months pregnant and a mother of three young daughters. Her body was found with severe head injuries.

According to police, Mubaira suspected his wife of having an affair with Tawanda Nyakudya, 31.

It is alleged that Mubaira fatally assaulted his wife at around 2 am on Sunday before fleeing the scene.

Commissioner Nyathi said that at around 4 am on 13 September 2026, the accused, armed with an iron bar, went to House Number 686 Muwanga Street, Shamva — Nyakudya’s residence — and accused him of having an extramarital affair with Amos.

“He accused Tawanda Nyakudya of having an extramarital affair with Everjoy Amos. The suspect left after promising to return so that they could resolve the issue,” said Commissioner Nyathi.

At around 7 am on the same day, Nyakudya went to Mubaira’s house and asked children who were playing outside to call their parents.

When the children entered the bedroom, they found their mother lying in a pool of blood. Mubaira was not at the house. The children informed Nyakudya, who then made a report to the police.

Officers attended the scene and found the body covered with a blanket. She had sustained two deep wounds — one above the right eye and another on top of the head.

A 5lb hammer, believed to have been used in the attack, was recovered beside the bed.

The body was taken to Shamva Hospital mortuary pending a post-mortem examination.

More: The Herald