Tinotenda Hove – A man from Birchenough Bridge is reported to have fatally attacked his wife before later taking his own life, police have confirmed.

Acting Manicaland Provincial Police Spokesperson, Assistant Inspector Wiseman Chinyoka, said the tragic incident occurred last Tuesday at Gadzai Village in the early hours of the morning.

“The incident happened around 2 AM after the couple had retired to bed earlier that night,” he said.

According to police, Luckson Muchadei (42) had visited his estranged wife, Prisca Mabuyazve (33), around 8 PM. The two were staying at the homestead of John Dube in Gadzai Village.

Assistant Inspector Chinyoka said Muchadei allegedly woke up during the night and carried out the fatal attack while his wife was asleep. “The victim died on the spot,” he said.

After the incident, Muchadei left the homestead and was later found in a nearby bushy area, where he had consumed a poisonous substance. “He was located by a 13-year-old boy who quickly informed the police,” Chinyoka said.

Mabuyazve’s body was discovered around 6 AM by Simbarashe Nemadire, who had gone to the homestead to collect a debt. He alerted neighbours, and a report was made to the police.

Muchadei was taken to Birchenough Bridge Hospital after being found, but “he unfortunately passed away while receiving treatment,” Chinyoka confirmed.

Police urged communities to seek peaceful ways of resolving domestic disputes.