Zimbabwe News
Mutare Woman on the Run After Scalding Husband in Lobola Funds Feud
A tragic incident has shaken the community as a Mutare woman, now residing in Cape Town, South Africa, is currently evading authorities after allegedly scalding her husband with cooking oil during a heated argument over lobola funds.
The victim, Mr. Moses Mtukwa, tragically lost his life due to injuries sustained in the attack, passing away at a Cape Town hospital last Thursday. Mr. Mtukwa, aged 41, had been hospitalized for two weeks and was placed on life support before succumbing to his injuries, as reported by his older brother, Mr. Davison Mtukwa.
In an exclusive interview with The Manica Post, Mr. Davison Mtukwa revealed that the altercation between his brother and Moreblessing Nyakunu, aged 40, escalated to a violent confrontation resulting in Mr. Mtukwa being scalded with hot cooking oil. Following the assault, Nyakunu reportedly stole a significant sum of money, comprising 31,000 Rand and US$800. This money was intended by Mr. Mtukwa to be used for paying Nyakunu’s lobola (bride price).
After committing the alleged crime, Nyakunu fled the scene, leaving behind her injured husband and absconding with the funds meant for her bride price. The authorities are currently pursuing Nyakunu, who is considered a fugitive in connection with this tragic incident.
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“My brother died due to the serious injuries he sustained after being scalded with cooking oil. What hurts most is that Nyakunu did not inform us that our brother was in hospital. Instead, each time we called him or her, she would answer the calls and pretended as if everything was fine. Each time my sister who is also in South Africa called looking for Moses, Nyakunu would tell her that he (Moses) was at home, while she was at work,” he said.
Davison mentioned that they were only informed about their brother’s hospitalization five days after he was admitted when a concerned individual, who had brought him to the hospital, reached out to their sister.
“When my sister got there, she was immediately told by the hospital authorities that Moses was supposed to be put on life-support system, and we had to run around looking for money for him to receive medical attention. At that time, Moses was still talking, and he told our sister that he had 31 000 Rand and US$800 at home. He said the money was meant to pay for Nyakunu’s bride price. He once told me about his savings, and we were planning to visit the Nyakunu family to settle some of the lobola arrears,” he said.
Davison said when their sister went to Moses’ home, it was deserted and the money was nowhere to be found as Nyakunu had fled with it.
“My brother and Nyakunu had a child together while they were still staying in Bvirindi Village under Chief Zimunya back then. They, however, parted ways and we were surprised to hear that he was cohabiting with her when he migrated to South Africa. They both came back home and he paid part of the bride price for her. Up until now, we never heard of any altercation between them. They appeared the most perfect couple to us. We were shocked to hear of this tragedy.
“My brother told our sister before he was put on life-support that Nyakunu had scalded him because she wanted to use the lobola funds for something else. After scalding him, neighbours rushed him to the hospital. She disappeared with the money. Up to now, South African police are looking for her because she committed a heinous crime,” he said.
The family possesses WhatsApp messages and audio recordings exchanged between the couple just hours before the tragic incident occurred.
In these conversations, Nyakunu expressed her desire to use the money for a different purpose, insisting that Moses should give it to her immediately and find the lobola funds later.
The Mutukwa family is now reaching out to compassionate individuals to assist them in raising 17,000 Rand, which is needed for repatriating the deceased’s body for burial.
“27 000 Rand is what is needed in total, and as a family we have managed to raise 10 000 Rand. Had she not stolen the money, we would have been able to bring back home our loved one, and lay him to his final resting place. We are unable to do that at the moment. We are appealing to Zimbabwe, family and friends to help us so that our brother’s remains are brought home,” said the man.
Attempts to reach Moreblessing Nyakunu via WhatsApp were unsuccessful as her phone was unreachable.
During a visit to the Nyakunu family’s homestead in Bvirindi Village on Tuesday afternoon, Moreblessing’s mother, Mrs. Loveness Nyakunu, and her two sisters were visibly distressed and struggling to cope with the tragic events.
Mrs Nyakunu described her daughter as a moody and violent person.
“I do not want to lie, Moreblessing is a violent person and always clashed with her sisters, but we never thought that things would come to this. We never thought she would murder her husband and I was shocked when I heard of this sad development. I passed out and had to be rushed to the clinic where I was resuscitated,” said the elderly woman.
She said they approached the Mtukwa family on Monday to extend their condolences.
“When my daughter last called me, she said she had an altercation with her husband and he was admitted in hospital. Since then, her phones have been off and we cannot reach her. What she has done has left us in a big mess. I do not know how we will be able to raise the money that the Mtukwa family wants for the body to be repatriated to Zimbabwe,” she said amid sobs.
Moreblessing’s brother, Mr Tinashe Nyakunu said they are also looking for her.
“Moreblessing should come out of hiding and face the music. Yes, she erred, but she is still our sibling. She should surrender herself to the authorities so that the world knows the truth,” he said.
He also appealed to well-wishers to help them raise funds to repatriate Moses’ body.
For assistance, Mr Davison Mtukwa can be contacted on +263774411748.
Those willing to help with cash can also send money to his EcoCash US$ account on that sme number.
Marondera businessman Francesco Marconati has been sentenced to two years in prison after being found guilty of fraudulently removing his business partner from the directorship of Eagle Italian Shoes.
Initially, the magistrate handed down a five-year sentence, with three years suspended on the condition that he doesn’t commit a similar offense.
In his ruling, the magistrate noted that Marconati was fully aware he was bypassing proper corporate procedures when committing the offense. He emphasized that Marconati did not receive any resignation letter from his partner, Ms. Song, and that the two had been long-time business and social associates.
Mr. Donald Ndirowei, the presiding magistrate, stated that the complainant had suffered significant emotional distress and financial loss due to Marconati’s actions. He also noted that Marconati had two prior convictions, establishing him as a repeat offender. The magistrate criticized Marconati for showing a lack of respect for the country’s criminal justice system by continuing to commit similar offenses, justifying the need for a severe sentence.
Marconati was convicted of two counts of fraud. Last week, the magistrate found that he had improperly removed Ms. Song from her role as company director and secretary at Eagle Italian Shoes and Agrilink, falsifying documents to claim that both she and Agrilink had resigned. The State, represented by Mr. Anesu Chirenji, demonstrated that Marconati had submitted false information to the Registrar of Companies, falsely claiming Ms. Song’s resignation.
Mr. Ndirowei detailed how Marconati presented a fraudulent CR6 document to Ecobank and First Capital Bank on October 14, 2021, to remove Ms. Song as a company director and account signatory, replacing her with his son, Alessandro Marconati. This document was never officially filed with the Registrar.
In December 2022, Marconati repeated the act by appointing his son Alessandro as director without notifying Ms. Song or holding any required meetings. In 2023, he and his son forged a third CR6 form, appointing Kutaura Bond as an additional company director. Due to these fraudulent actions, the company lost US$6.8 million.
The State also proved that the company secretary had not been informed of these changes, and no resignation letter had been submitted by Ms. Song. “No shareholders meeting or general meeting was conducted,” said Mr. Ndirowei. “The accused is found guilty as charged.”
President Emmerson Mnangagwa has approved two additional groundbreaking presidential initiatives aimed at empowering Zimbabwe’s economically marginalized population.
These initiatives, the Presidential Internet Scheme (PIS) and the Presidential Home Industry Development Scheme (PHIDS), will be launched in the near future to complement government efforts in achieving a middle-income economy by 2030.
Prevail International Group (PIG), under the leadership of its chairperson Paul Tungwarara, will spearhead these programs, building upon the success of its previous initiatives, the Presidential Borehole Scheme (PBS) and Presidential Solar Scheme (PSS).
PIS will leverage SpaceX’s Starlink satellite technology, to provide high-speed internet access to schools in marginalised rural communities, further bridging the digital divide.
On the other hand, PHIDS will establish and also upgrade existing home industries to create employment and empower the economically disenfranchised urbanites across the country.
PIG chairperson Tungwarara speaking on the launch of more presidential schemes on cards applauded Mnangagwa for being the mastermind behind the avant-garde garde initiatives that sought to achieve a middle income economy by 2030.
“The Presidential Internet Scheme and the Presidential Home Industry Development Scheme are noble projects that represent a monumental step towards digital and economic inclusivity across Zimbabwe.
“President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s commitment to utilizing cutting-edge technology like Starlink to reach our most remote villages and upgrade our ailing home is truly commendable.
“It reflects a deep understanding of the needs of Zimbabwean citizens and a dedication to their development,” said Tungwarara.
Tungwarara said PHIDS’ pilot project will be introduced by an upgrade in Glenview home industries which have been plagued by serial infernos of the years
“We are also going to implement another scheme of presidential home industry development
“To upgrade our home industry to state of the art we are ready to kick off our pilot to curb fire outbreaks in Glenview home industries that have been happening frequently.
“We are ready to do the project and are currently in liaison with the local authority to work out the framework favorable for both parties,” said Tungwarara.
PHIDS and PIS complement Mnangagwa’s existing initiatives, particularly the ongoing PBS and the PSS to improve the livelihoods of Zimbabwean citizenry.
The PBS has provided vital water sources to drought-stricken areas across the nation, including Gokwe, Nkayi, Chipinge, Tsholotsho, Hwange, Bulilima, and Lupane.
By mitigating the impacts of the El Niño-induced drought, the borehole scheme has significantly improved the livelihoods of many villagers.
PBS has also been instrumental in implementing commercial Village Business Units (VBUs) which have empowered previously marginalised communities to take control of local agrarian economies.
Under Mnangagwa’s vision VBUs are designed to spur rural industrialization and modernization.
VBUS have begun yielding benefits for villagers, creating employment opportunities and improving overall livelihoods.
Additionally, Zimbabwe Solar Energy Company, a subsidiary of PIG subsidiary, has been tackling load shedding through the PSS pilot project.
This initiative, now in full swing, has connected several homes in Glen View Suburb to the national grid.
Solar power is seen as a key solution to the country’s electricity outages and aligns with Sustainable Development Goal 7 of ensuring access to clean and affordable energy.
PSS involves renting and installing solar panels on rooftops at no cost, with the solar energy generated being fed into the national grid.
In return, ZESA has agreed in principle to suspend load-shedding in participating areas, and homeowners will receive a token of appreciation.
As PIG prepares for the rollout of more transformative presidential schemes it marks a new era of digital and economic empowerment for Zimbabwe’s marginalised communities, advancing the government’s Vision 2030 for comprehensive national development.
Chinese investor Haoxuan Song has urgently sought an interdict from the High Court to block his deportation from Zimbabwe, arguing that his detention and pending deportation are unlawful and violate his constitutional rights.
The case was heard before High Court Judge, Honorable Katiyo, who issued an interim court order suspending Song’s deportation until legal proceedings are resolved.
Song, who has lived in Zimbabwe since he was four years old, asserts that his detention and the deportation threat are an infringement on his personal liberty and protection from arbitrary deportation under Zimbabwe’s Constitution.
Song has invested over US$3 million in the country and argues that his continued presence is vital for his business operations.
On September 13, 2024, Song was detained by immigration officials and held at Harare Remand Prison, pending deportation to China. His legal team, represented by Tabana and Marwa, contends that the detention and deportation threats are without legal basis and violate his rights.
The matter was heard by High Court Judge Katiyo, who ruled as follows:
1. The case is postponed to September 17, 2024, at 14:30.
2. The deportation of Haoxuan Song is to be suspended until the 17th of September 2024.
3. No order as to costs.
Despite this court ruling, immigration authorities have reportedly refused to comply, allegedly avoiding legal service by switching off their phones to evade communication from Song’s legal team.
Song’s case has emerged in the context of a broader dispute involving business interests between his relative, Li Song, and Italian nationals Francesco and Alessandro Marconati. The Marconatis, who were convicted in 2024 of fraud, forgery, and theft, are accused of defrauding Li Song and unlawfully removing her from director positions in several companies. They allegedly used intimidation tactics, including brandishing firearms, to deny her access to her business premises and have been illegally extracting and selling gold from her plant since October 2021.
It is believed that Song’s detention and deportation are part of a scheme orchestrated by the Marconatis to consolidate control over Li Song’s business assets. Song’s legal team has also accused the immigration authorities of corruption, suggesting that senior officials have been bribed to facilitate his deportation and block legal proceedings.
The Chinese embassy has lodged a diplomatic protest with Zimbabwe’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, claiming that the Zimbabwean government violated the Vienna Convention by detaining Song without notifying the embassy and failing to provide necessary documentation.
As the legal battle continues, the tension between Song and immigration authorities remains high, with the court’s order yet to be fully enforced.
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