The ManicaPost
Liberty Dube and Tendai Gukutikwa
A 32-year-old Mutare man last week hanged himself from a roof truss after suspecting that his wife was having an extra-marital affair.
Scores of people from Chikanga Phase Two and beyond jostled to catch a glimpse of Kenneth Chikomba’s body hanging in the couple’s lodgings.
Manicaland provincial police spokesperson, Inspector Norbert Muzondo confirmed the case.
“The couple’s landlord’s son, Alter Tasara (21), discovered the body and alerted others. We gathered that Chikomba committed suicide following a misunderstanding with his wife, Brenda Mbiriri, over the latter’s alleged infidelity,” said Inspector Muzondo.
However, efforts to get a comment from Mbiriri were fruitless as she was said to have left with her relatives after Chikomba’s burial at Dangamvura Cemetery.
When The Weekender visited the Chikomba residence last week, neighbours were still at a loss of words.
Those interviewed said Chikomba chased Mbiriri away after discovering a love message in her phone.
After throwing Mbiriri out, Chikomba then committed suicide.
A fellow tenant who requested anonymity said Mbiriri and her husband hardly fought.
“It was only recently that we realised that they were having marital problems. They were a very quiet and friendly couple who minded their own business and loved their children.
“They never shared their problems with anyone.
“After his body was found hanging, we asked Mbiriri what had happened and she said she suspected that he had killed himself because of a message that was sent to her by another man.
“I asked her who had given the man her number and she said she did. However, she said she was not having an affair with the man as he was only her client,” she said.
Mbiriri sells samoosas at Sports Field Market in Chikanga.
The couple’s landlady also requested anonymity and reiterated that the misunderstandings started a few days before Chikomba committed suicide.
“After the scuffle over the message, Chikomba packed Mbiriri’s belongings and threw them outside.
“However, Mbiriri argued that she could not leave with the children as she would not be able to provide for them,” she said.
Mbiriri then left the two children behind.
Thirty minutes later, Chikomba was found hanging.
Inspector Muzondo urged couples to settle marital disputes amicably.
