A Mwenezi woman, Daisy Makanaka Moyo (25), has been sentenced to four years in prison after being convicted of culpable homicide for fatally stabbing her husband during a heated confrontation at a love nest involving his ex-wife.
Justice Sunsley Zisengwe delivered the verdict at the High Court in Masvingo two weeks ago, describing the incident as a crime of passion. The woman, enraged by the betrayal, confronted her husband, Talent Golden Masuku (40), and his former wife, Shingirai Mativenga (44), resulting in a violent altercation that ended in tragedy.
The Fatal Confrontation
According to court proceedings, the incident occurred on July 10, 2024, near Negari Business Centre in Mwenezi. Moyo, suspecting her husband of rekindling his relationship with Mativenga, tracked them to a homestead where the couple had spent the night together following a year-long separation.
Masuku and Mativenga shared a history—they had three children together, and Masuku had recently made the decision to return to his ex-wife. This revelation reportedly fueled the Mwenezi woman’s anger and sense of betrayal.
At around 5 a.m., Moyo arrived at the homestead and launched a violent attack. She struck Mativenga with a log and bit her below the chin. Masuku attempted to intervene and protect Mativenga, but Moyo turned her fury toward him. In the chaos, she struck him on the head with the same log before stabbing him in the back with a kitchen knife.
Masuku collapsed from the injury, bleeding profusely and later succumbing to his wounds. Witnesses recounted how Moyo, appearing remorseful, knelt beside her dying husband, placed her head on her knees, and repeatedly called out his name. She also allegedly threatened further harm to Mativenga.
Courtroom Testimonies and Defense
In her defense, the woman claimed that the stabbing was accidental, occurring amid a chaotic scuffle between the three individuals. Her legal counsel, Collen Maboke of Ruvengo Maboke Legal Practitioners, argued that Moyo had not intended to kill her husband.
However, the court was not fully convinced. Testimonies painted a picture of intense emotional conflict and premeditated aggression. The prosecution, led by Mike Tembo, emphasized the deliberate nature of Moyo’s actions, stating that even amid emotional turmoil, the use of a deadly weapon made the incident more than just a spontaneous act of rage.
Another point of contention was the number of children Moyo shared with Masuku. While Moyo insisted they had three children together, evidence presented during the trial confirmed only one.
A Tragic Case of Love and Loss
Justice Zisengwe acknowledged the emotional complexity of the case, stating that while the crime was committed in the heat of passion, accountability was still essential. The court aimed to balance the mitigating factors—such as Moyo’s remorse and the emotionally charged circumstances—with the gravity of taking a human life.
Following the verdict, Moyo was sentenced to an effective four years in prison. The body of Talent Masuku was transported to Mwenezi District Hospital, and authorities confirmed that the matter was swiftly reported to the police after the incident.
Broader Implications
This case has sparked conversations about domestic violence, emotional trauma, and how relationships can spiral into violence when conflicts remain unresolved. Advocates urge that more awareness, intervention services, and emotional support are needed to help both men and women navigate complex relationship issues without resorting to violence.
While the sentence handed down reflects the court’s effort to weigh both justice and compassion, the incident remains a sobering reminder of the devastating consequences that can follow when anger and betrayal boil over.
