Harare Man Plots Murder of Ex-Wife Over Child Maintenance Arrears

Harare Man Plots Murder of Ex-Wife Over Child Maintenance Arrears – A 34-year-old Harare man has appeared in court facing murder charges after allegedly conspiring with his new wife and another accomplice to kill his ex-wife in a bid to evade US$2,500 in child maintenance arrears.

Brian Chanachimwe is accused of plotting the killing of his former wife, Jennifer Kalembo (35), together with his current wife, Olipa Chide, and a third suspect, Jonah Nekati, who remains at large.

Prosecutor Takudzwa Jambawu told the Harare magistrates’ court that the alleged conspiracy was motivated by Chanachimwe’s failure to meet his financial obligations towards his three children.

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“The accused persons connived to murder the now deceased after the accused was being pursued to pay US$2 500 child maintenance arrears for his three children with the deceased,” Jambawu said.

The court heard that on January 12, Chanachimwe allegedly lured Kalembo from her home in Mayambara to his residence in Pazza Crowhill, Borrowdale, under the pretext of giving her US$150 for school fees.

“The now deceased was ambushed inside their house by the accused and Olipa Chide who strangled her until she died,” the prosecutor told the court.

Following the alleged killing, the state claims the suspects attempted to conceal the crime by disposing of Kalembo’s mobile phone and burning her handbag and identity documents. They are also accused of hiring a vehicle under false pretences and, with the assistance of Nekati, dumping her body along a dirt road near Eyecourt.

Kalembo’s body was discovered the following day, January 13, by a passerby identified as Samson Bhobho.

The case took a further turn when the court was informed that Chide allegedly died after learning that police were searching for her. Chanachimwe is expected to return to court on February 4, with the magistrate indicating that any bail application must be made at the High Court.