Live-in girlfriend kills chief with machete

By Ray Bande

A CHIPINGE chief’s live-in girlfriend last week reportedly fatally struck him with a machete, accusing him of infidelity. Chief Mpungu of Chisumbanje was buried last Wednesday after succumbing to injuries sustained in the attack by Sarah Mtisi Mandlazi.

The girlfriend has since been arrested on murder charges and is assisting police with investigations. Manicaland provincial police spokesperson Inspector Leonard Chabata confirmed the incident. He, however, refused to shed more light on the matter.

Reports indicate that the 61-year-old chief sustained a deep cut on the forehead and needed 13 stitches. He also sustained deep cuts on both cheeks and lost a number of teeth. The chief’s young brother Mr Naison Nxumalo said: “I was not here when the incident happened.

“In fact, they were alone here, when it happened. I was told that the chief was struck with a machete while in the toilet.”

He said the family made a follow up at St Peters Hospital, but discovered that he had been transferred to Chiredzi District Hospital where he died upon admission. Mr Nxumalo said the two had a history of domestic disputes. Chief Mpungu is survived by six children.