Sex-starved woman kills herself

MASVINGO – A 66-year-old woman from Chiredzi in Masvingo Province allegedly committed suicide by hanging herself when her polygamous husband “starved” her of conjugal rights for a long time, police confirmed.

Masvingo provincial police spokesperson Inspector Peter Zhanero said police were investigating the case. He identified the deceased as Muhlava Muhlabiza of Chigalo Village under Chief Sengwe. “We received the case and we are investigating,” he said.

According to a source the incident happened last week on Friday at about 12 am when Muhlabiza hanged herself from a tree in a nearby bush, a few metres from their homestead after complaining of being deprived of her conjugal rights for a long time.

On the day in question Muhlabiza and Selena Mashava (64) who were both married to their husband, only identified as Mr Makunani (64) quarreled over who was supposed to sleep with their husband on that particular night.

Muhlabiza allegedly accused Ms Mashava of being favoured especially when it came to sharing the bed with their husband while she was “starved”. Sources said she argued that it was her turn to enjoy conjugal rights since Ms Mashava had been receiving the favour for a long time.

“When Mr Makunani who had not been around arrived home at around 9 pm he found the two women arguing. He intervened and managed to stop the argument but ignored Muhlabiza’s plea that she also wanted a fair share of the man in bed and went with Ms Mashava.

“This accordingly was not taken lightly by Muhlabiza and she threatened to end her life, saying Mr Mukanani was no longer interested in her,” said the source.

After the trio went to bed, Muhlabiza who was sleeping in a different bedroom hut alone allegedly woke up at around 12 midnight and went to a nearby bush.

“Muhlabiza went outside after notifying her husband who was sleeping in another bedroom hut with Ms Mashava.

“She lied that she wanted to attend the call of nature. After close to about an hour without her returning, Mr Makunani and Ms Mashava became suspicious and followed to check whether she was still safe,” said the source.

The couple could not find her and made a formal police report the following morning. Police made their own investigations and discovered Muhlabiza’s body hanging from a tree in the bush, four days later.