A MAN bludgeoned his wife with a log and left her to die in the woods following a dispute, the Bulawayo High Court heard.
Sikhanyiso Moyo’s body was not found until three days after the brutal attack in the Gwayi Forestry Lands on April 13 last year.
On Friday, Mbonisi Ndlovu, 30, was jailed for 25 years by Justice Nicholas Ndou on circuit in Hwange.
The court heard that the couple, who have a child together, were trying to patch up their relationship after Moyo, 21, took off from their family home in Lupane and returned to her parents in Plumtree.
Prosecuting, Palmer Khumalo said on April 12, Ndlovu travelled to Plumtree to beg his wife to return.
They returned on April 13 but as they walked home along the Somgolo-Sipepa Road, deep in the Gwayi Forestry Lands, a furious row ensued.
“Ndlovu became angry and slapped Moyo who in turn ran away into the bush. Ndlovu followed her and on catching up with her, he tripped her, then sat on top of her,” Khumalo told the court.
“He punched her several times in the face and mouth but she managed to break free and Ndlovu armed himself with a metre-long stick and assaulted her on the head. Unhappy that the stick was not strong enough, Ndlovu picked up a log and struck Moyo several times on the head and in the stomach and the log broke into six pieces.
“She fell down and Ndlovu left her alone in the bush and went to his home.”
Moyo’s concerned relatives and friends led a search party which located her remains on April 16.