A man in Harare, Zimbabwe, has been accused of conspiring with his new wife to murder his ex-wife in a bid to evade paying US$2,500 in child maintenance arrears, a case that has also been linked to a reported suicide.
Brian Chanachimwe, 34, appeared before a magistrates’ court in Harare, where prosecutors alleged that he, together with his current wife, Olipa Chide, and another man, Jonah Nekati, plotted to kill his former wife, Jennifer Kalembo, 35.
Prosecutor Takudzwa Jambawu told the court that the alleged conspiracy stemmed from Chanachimwe’s attempt to avoid paying child maintenance for his three children with Kalembo. “The accused persons connived to murder the now deceased after the accused was being pursued to pay US$2,500 in child maintenance arrears,” Jambawu said.
According to the prosecution, the plot was executed on January 12 when Chanachimwe lured Kalembo from her home in Mayambara to his residence in Pazza Crowhill, Borrowdale, under the guise of giving her US$150 for school fees. It was during this visit that the attack allegedly occurred.
“The now deceased was ambushed inside the house by the accused and Olipa Chide, who allegedly strangled her until she died,” the prosecutor stated.
Authorities further alleged that the suspects attempted to cover up the crime by destroying Kalembo’s phone, burning her purse and identity documents, and hiring a vehicle under false pretences. With Nekati’s assistance, her body was allegedly transported and dumped along a remote dirt road near Eyecourt.
Kalembo’s body was discovered the following day, January 13, by a passerby, Samson Bhobho. During court proceedings, it was reported that Chide died by suicide after learning the police were searching for her, while Nekati remains at large.
Chanachimwe is expected back in court on February 4. The court also heard that any application for bail must be made at the High Court.