A Harare man has been dragged before the courts after allegedly launching a brutal axe attack on his underage wife in Epworth, leaving her with life-threatening injuries. The shocking case, which has gripped residents of the densely populated settlement, has also exposed a disturbing child marriage arrangement, further intensifying calls for stronger enforcement of laws protecting young girls.
The accused, Tafadzwa Mutsiki (22), appeared at the Harare Magistrates’ Court charged with attempted murder and contravening child marriage laws. Prosecutors allege that Mutsiki attacked his wife with an axe during a domestic dispute last Wednesday, partially severing her ear in the process.
The matter was initially brought before Magistrate Marehwanazvo Gofa, who ruled that due to its seriousness, the case should not be dealt with at the magistrates’ level. She directed that Mutsiki should either apply for bail at the High Court or face indictment for trial there. The case has been postponed to October 13, when further proceedings will determine the appropriate venue for the trial.
In her brief remarks, Magistrate Gofa stressed the gravity of the allegations, noting that attempted murder cases coupled with the unlawful cohabitation of an adult with a child could not be trivialized. “This court cannot proceed with a matter of this magnitude. It must be referred to a higher jurisdiction where justice can be fully dispensed,” she said.
Harare Man Faces Attempted Murder and Child Marriage Charges After Axe Attack on Wife
Presenting the State’s case, prosecutor Ms Mercy Musamvi laid out disturbing details of the attack. On the night of the incident, Mutsiki is alleged to have engaged in a heated altercation with his young wife at a residence in Epworth. The quarrel quickly escalated, culminating in Mutsiki seizing an axe and striking his spouse with it.
The blow landed on her head and ear, with such force that part of her ear was severed. Neighbors, alerted by her screams, rushed to the scene and managed to restrain Mutsiki before he could inflict further injuries. The victim was rushed to hospital, where she is still receiving medical treatment. Her condition is reported to be stable but she remains in need of extensive care.
What has shocked many even further is the revelation that the victim is underage, meaning Mutsiki was not only living with her as a wife unlawfully but is now also facing charges of child marriage. Zimbabwean law, under the Marriages Act and reinforced by constitutional provisions, explicitly prohibits child marriages, setting the minimum age for marriage at 18.
Women’s rights groups and child protection advocates say the case underscores the dangers young girls face in abusive and illegal unions. “This case is a tragic reminder of the consequences of child marriage. It is not just a cultural problem—it is a crime that places young girls at extreme risk of violence, exploitation, and lifelong trauma,” one activist said outside the court.
Residents of Epworth have expressed shock at the gruesome nature of the attack. Some described Mutsiki as a man prone to violent outbursts, while others said the incident had exposed the hidden prevalence of child marriages in the area.
“This is heartbreaking. A child should be in school, not living as someone’s wife. What happened to her is cruel, and we pray justice will be served,” a neighbor told reporters.
The case has stirred wider debate about law enforcement’s role in curbing child marriages, especially in poorer communities where economic hardships sometimes drive families to marry off their daughters at an early age.
If convicted of attempted murder, Mutsiki faces a lengthy custodial sentence, while the child marriage charges add another layer of serious legal consequences. Legal experts note that courts are increasingly taking a tougher stance on gender-based violence and child marriages, in line with government policy and international conventions Zimbabwe is a party to.
At the same time, rights advocates are calling for more proactive interventions to protect minors from being forced into early unions. “This is not an isolated incident. Behind closed doors, many underage girls are living in illegal marriages, exposed to abuse and denied education. We must confront this issue head-on,” said a spokesperson from a local child rights NGO.
Mutsiki remains in custody pending his bail application at the High Court. The prosecution has indicated that it will oppose bail, citing the gravity of the charges and the risk of interference with witnesses. The victim is expected to provide testimony once she has recovered sufficiently from her injuries.
As the nation awaits further developments, the case has become a rallying point for campaigners against child marriage and gender-based violence. For many Zimbabweans, the disturbing details of the axe attack serve as a stark reminder of the urgent need to strengthen community awareness, enforcement of child protection laws, and support systems for vulnerable girls.
Source- iHarare
