Reports from Hwedza in Zimbabwe indicate that there was tragedy after a son-in-law was beaten to death for bedding his brother-in-law’s wife.

According to local publication, H-Metro, Nicholus Chigwededza, 36, who was an in-law to Calvin Chipangura, 28, was caught inflagrante delicto in bed with Chipangura’s 18-year–old wife Rudo Chikuruwe.   

Chipangura was clearly not amused by his in-law’s conduct and savagely assaulted him. Chigwegwedza succumbed to the injuries he sustained during the beating.   

The assault and subsequent death were confirmed by the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) who said that they have since launched a manhunt for Chipangura who is currently on the run. 

National police spokesperson Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi told the publication,

“The Zimbabwe Republic Police is investigating a murder case involving a man alleged to have killed another villager over adulterous allegations in Pindura village under chief Svosve in Hwedza,”

“It is stated that on the 29th of September 2020 at around 1100hrs, Nicholus Chigwededza left his home proceeding to the homestead of a neighbour to share beer.

“At the homestead was the neighbour’s 18-year-old daughter-in-law believed to have been dating Chigwededza.

“At around 1900hrs Chigwededza left and reported to have decided to go home and was escorted by his neighbour.

“At around 1940hrs Chigwededza allegedly returned to his neighbour’s homestead where he stealthily entered into the daughter in-law’s hut.

“While Chigwededza was in the hut with the alleged girlfriend, Chipangura arrived from Sadza Growth Point where he had gone for a piece job.

“The suspect reportedly banged open the door in which the two were allegedly sleeping and found Chigwededza in bed with his wife.

“When the suspect and his father went back to the hut, he opened the kitchen door and Chigwededza allegedly bolted out of the room.

“The suspect gave chase and caught him in a nearby field and allegedly assaulted him on the head with a wooden log and left him lying unconsciously on the ground.

“The suspect returned with the intention to assault his wife and was disarmed and ran away.

“Chigwededza was taken to his home where he was pronounced dead.”

Members of the community were unhappy with the deceased’s relationship with his brother-in-law’s wife and ordered his family to pay some beasts before he could be buried.

One of the villagers told H-Metro,

“In short, this is an incestuous case and traditional leaders attended the burial with a view to take action according to custom

“The marriage was eight months old and this shocked the villagers considering that Chipangura’s sister is married to Chigwededza’s brother.

“This relationship delayed burial of Chigwededza as elders met to demand some beasts according to custom,”