A family mediation to resolve a troubled marriage ended in tragedy in Beitbridge, Zimbabwe, after a man allegedly stabbed his wife to death during a meeting with relatives.

Police identified the suspect as 56-year-old Mukhosi Shadreck Mulaudzi Muthavhatsindi of Malala village. The couple had recently returned from South Africa amid ongoing marital disputes.

According to Chief Superintendent Mesuli Ncube, the incident occurred on April 26 at Matshiloni village during a family gathering aimed at reconciling the couple.

“Preliminary investigations reveal that the couple was staying together in South Africa and returned to Zimbabwe on April 24,” Ncube said. “Upon arrival, the suspect went to his home in Malala while the wife went to her maiden home in Matshiloni due to a long-standing domestic dispute.”

Ncube said tensions flared when the wife’s relatives suggested divorce after the couple failed to reach an agreement.

“This did not go down well with the suspect and an argument ensued,” he said.

Police said the suspect then charged at his wife as she tried to escape.

“She ran and hid behind one of the houses at the homestead. He caught up with her and stabbed her once on the left side of the chest,” Ncube said. “She screamed before collapsing and was pronounced dead at the scene.”

The suspect fled but was apprehended by community members who handed him over to police.

The victim’s body has been taken for a post-mortem examination. The suspect remains in custody and is expected to appear in court soon.

Police say investigations are ongoing.