The 26-year-old Tshimangadzo Kwinda of Khalavha Village suspected his live-in lover, Ndivhaleni Kutama, of cheating on him...

On Saturday, the girlfriend told him that she was going to visit her grandmother. Suspecting that she was lying, Kwinda went looking for her at all the beer halls in the area. He ultimately found her at one local tavern. It is alleged that he found her in the company of another man, who is apparently another lover.

Siloam police spokesperson WO Itani Muila said a heated argument is alleged to have ensued and the woman was assaulted. He said the woman allegedly ran away in the direction of their home, with the man in hot pursuit. Kwinda is alleged to have caught up with her at their gate and to have stabbed her in the head. She died there, next to the gate, and her lover fled the scene. The incident happened around 12:30.

The community and the police launched a massive manhunt for the man over the course of the weekend, but to no avail. However, it appears that Kwinda then committed suicide by hanging himself from a tree a few metres from where he had killed his girlfriend. His body was found hanging on Monday morning, after police and community failed to locate him the previous day.

The two bereaved families are in deep mourning and both are busy with preparations for their respective funerals. During Mirror’s visit to the families, family members were still shocked and traumatized and were unable to shed more light as to what could have prompted the deaths of the lovers. At the deceased suspect’s home, elderly women, including the suspect’s mother, Ms Sarah Mulaudzi, were gathered next to the scene where the body was found hanging.

Ms Mulaudzi, who was visibly shaken, said the incidents came as a shock to her. “My son was a cool and focused person who always thought of the family in everything he did. He collected wood for sale and even worked at fields. With the money he received, he assisted the family. I am greatly saddened at the turn of events,” she said.

She confirmed that the two had had a fight during Easter, but thought that it had been solved amicably.

Siloam police spokesperson Warrant Officer Itani Muila said they had opened an inquest and a murder docket. Those wishing to assist the family can do so by phoning 082 471 4212 or 072 825 5105