Tsholotsho Woman Dies After Husband Sets Family Home On Fire Over Affair Claims

A Tsholotsho woman has died from severe burns sustained in an alleged attack by her husband months after he reportedly confronted her over claims of an affair.

Ephraim Moyo of Mswigama Line appeared before Tsholotsho Magistrate Godfrey Muzungu on Thursday facing murder and attempted murder charges arising from the incident.

Also Read: Mukumbura Man Kills Wife With Axe Following Domestic Dispute Over Infidelity

Wife attacked over affair accusations

According to B-Metro, the court heard that tensions between Moyo and his wife, Anita Ndlovu, 32, escalated after he allegedly found WhatsApp messages on her phone which he interpreted as evidence of an extra-marital affair.

According to the prosecution, Moyo threatened to kill Ndlovu on 15 May, prompting her to leave their home and seek refuge at her parents’ residence in Mahangula Line.

It was alleged that Moyo later confronted her and assaulted her, including head-butting her and repeatedly striking her with a pot.

Petrol used to set house on fire

Prosecutor Nobuhle Mguni told the court that Moyo returned to his in-laws’ home at about 7pm on 16 May, carrying an axe, machete and a five-litre container of petrol.

The court heard that he initially spoke to Ndlovu outside the family home before allegedly attacking her with an axe during an argument over bride price money.

Ndlovu managed to escape into a bedroom while her parents and the couple’s one-year-old child took refuge in a three-roomed house and locked themselves inside.

Moyo allegedly demanded that they open the door and threatened to kill family members if they refused.

After allegedly failing to break down the door with an axe, he is accused of smashing a window and pouring petrol into the room before lighting a match and throwing it inside.

The occupants eventually opened the door and escaped from the burning house with the child.

Wife suffered severe burns

The prosecution alleged that Moyo continued attacking Ndlovu during the chaos, striking her with the back of an axe on the head and right hand.

He also allegedly struck the child on the neck, causing 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 attempted to restrain Moyo, while other villagers were called to the scene.

Moyo allegedly fled when he saw villagers arriving.

Woman dies months after attack

Although Ndlovu had been admitted to hospital, the court heard that she later requested to be discharged against medical advice and returned home.

She died on 15 September 2026 at about 3pm, with the prosecution alleging that her death was linked to injuries sustained during the May attack.

Moyo allegedly attempted to take his own life after learning that his wife had died.

According to the State, he went onto a road and threw himself in front of an approaching bus. He survived the incident and was taken to hospital for treatment.

The matter was subsequently reported to the police, leading to the murder and attempted murder charges.

He was not asked to plead and was remanded in custody to 8 October for routine remand.

Moyo was advised of his right to legal representation at his own expense and may apply for bail at the Bulawayo High Court.

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