Wiseman Ncube, a 35-year-old man from the outskirts of Bulawayo, found himself facing multiple charges in court after a series of violent incidents fueled by jealousy and an inability to accept the friendship between his wife and girlfriend.
The initial incident leading to legal action occurred on November 27, 2024, in Makokomba Village 9, Nyamandlovu District.
According to court records, Ncube physically assaulted his wife, Memory Hove.
The argument stemmed from a phone call Hove received from a male customer regarding her chicken feed business.
Ncube accused Hove of infidelity and, in a fit of rage, struck her repeatedly in the face and back with his fists and a log, causing significant injuries requiring hospitalization. Hove testified that Ncube dragged her outside their home, attacking her and accusing her of having multiple affairs because of the phone call about chicken feed.
While Hove was hospitalized, the situation escalated. On November 29, 2024, Ncube allegedly returned to their home and, without her consent, removed household property valued at USD 2,680.
Hove was alerted to this by a concerned neighbour who witnessed Ncube loading their belongings into a truck.
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Prior to these events, on March 2, 2024, around 10 p.m., Ncube’s jealousy had already manifested in another violent episode involving his girlfriend, Tambudzai Mathe, at her residence in Kensington Plots. Ncube, enraged by the growing friendship between Mathe and his wife, allegedly kicked down Mathe’s door, causing damage. He then confronted her, demanding to know why she was communicating with his wife. Seizing Mathe’s cell phone, he smashed it, followed by a physical assault in which he punched, slapped, and kicked her while wearing safety shoes, according to witness testimony.
A police report was filed concerning both incidents, leading to Ncube’s arrest. He was subsequently charged with two counts of physical abuse (against Hove and Mathe), one count of malicious property damage (for damaging Mathe’s door), and another for the unreasonable disposal of household items.
Ncube appeared before Bulawayo magistrate Ernest Muzembi and pleaded not guilty to all charges. The court heard testimonies from both Hove and Mathe, which painted a picture of uncontrolled anger and jealousy.
Hove recounted the events leading to her hospitalization, and Mathe detailed the assault and property damage she suffered. The trial was set to continue on February 14, with the court tasked with determining the outcome of this complex case, weighing Ncube’s claims of innocence against the testimonies presented.
