Trymore Tagwirei

A recent domestic violence incident in Ndonyerai Village under Headman Madyangove in Chivi district ended in tragedy after a man was stabbed to death while attempting to protect his sister and mediate a violent family dispute.

Godfrey Romberai allegedly died at the hands of his brother-in-law, Wilbert Rice (43), after responding to a distress call from his sister, who sought help during a violent altercation with her husband.

According to the deceased’s sister, Sibongile Romberai, the violence began in the early hours of Monday, July 20, 2026, when her husband returned home.

“We had a confrontation on Monday morning after he arrived home around 3 am. He became violent, so I went and reported the matter to the police. Upon my return, I found him at the shops drinking with my brothers and cousins,” she said.

“When we later returned home, he became violent again and I alerted my relatives, including my now-late brother. They came to help resolve the dispute, but the situation escalated, and he stabbed my brother, who died at the scene.”

Read More: Tragic deaths highlight escalating GBV Crisis in Chivi

The fatal incident has left residents of Ndonyerai Village struggling to come to terms with the shocking loss.

Ndonyerai village head Tariro Makusha said the tragedy had deepened the grief already hanging over the village following another recent family bereavement.

“I am deeply saddened by this crime in my village. This was not the first time the couple had fought, but I did not know it was going to end that way,” said Makusha.

He urged families to seek help early, report abuse, and resolve conflicts peacefully before they escalate into fatal violence.

At the time of writing, the deceased’s body had been taken to Masvingo Provincial Hospital for a post-mortem, while the suspect was in police custody awaiting his initial court appearance.

Zimbabwe Republic Police Masvingo provincial spokesperson Inspector Kudakwashe Dhewa (pictured) urged families to resolve domestic disputes peacefully and warned against keeping dangerous weapons.

“As the Zimbabwe Republic Police, we urge members of the public to resolve domestic disputes peacefully and avoid the use or possession of dangerous weapons. It is unfortunate that the dispute resulted in the loss of life,” Dhewa said.