Mabvuku killer dad remanded from hospital

A 24-YEAR-OLD man from Mabvuku suburb in Harare accused of fatally stabbing his two young children before setting their bodies alight in a one-roomed cabin and attempting to kill his wife, has appeared in court.

Gift Muyengwa was remanded in custody from a hospital bed by Harare provincial magistrate Ms Ruth Moyo when he appeared facing two counts of murder and one count of attempted murder.

He was advised to apply for bail at the High Court and was remanded to August 5 pending the completion of investigations.

Prosecutor Mr Takudzwa Jambawu alleged that on July 20 at about 2:05am, Muyengwa, his wife and their two children, Audin Muyengwa (6) and Ropafadzo Muyengwa (3), were asleep in their one-roomed wooden cabin in Mabvuku.

The State alleges that the complainant woke up feeling dizzy and found Muyengwa standing over her, armed with a kitchen knife.

She allegedly realised that she had sustained a stab wound to the head and was bleeding.

It is alleged that Muyengwa then stabbed her in the neck before attacking her again, injuring one of her fingers as she tried to defend herself.

The complainant allegedly managed to escape from the cabin and ran outside shouting for help.

The State further alleges that Muyengwa then turned on the two children, who were still asleep, and fatally stabbed them.

He allegedly set the cabin on fire while the children’s bodies were still inside, resulting in them being burnt beyond recognition.

The court heard that after the alleged attack, Muyengwa attempted to take his own life by stabbing himself in the chest and stomach.