Zim GBC News | Harare Courts Correspondent
HARARE – A Harare man stands accused of conspiring with his current wife to murder his ex-wife after luring her with a promise of school fees, in a case that has taken a further tragic turn with the suspect’s wife dying by suicide.
Brian Chanachimwe (34) allegedly strangled his ex-wife, Jennifer Karembo (35), at his Crowhill home earlier this month, with the help of his wife, Olipa Chide. The couple then reportedly dumped Karembo’s body near the Water Works complex close to Hunyani Bridge in Chitungwiza.
Police allege the murder was motivated by Chanachimwe’s desire to avoid paying US$2,500 in overdue child maintenance for the three children he shared with Karembo.
Chanachimwe reportedly lured Karembo from her home in Seke to his house on January 12, under the false pretence of giving her US$150 for their children’s school fees.
In a grim effort to conceal the crime, the couple allegedly took Karembo’s cellphone, removed and buried the SIM card, and burned her purse containing her national ID. They also reportedly hired a vehicle, claiming they needed to transport a sick relative, and with the help of an accomplice, Jonah Nekati, who remains at large, transported and dumped the body in the early hours of the morning.
The body was discovered the next day, January 13, by a passer-by. That same day, after family members reported Karembo missing, police made the grim connection.
Chanachimwe has since appeared at the Harare Magistrates’ Court facing murder charges. His alleged accomplice, Olipa Chide, was found dead on Wednesday at her grandparents’ farm in Gutu, in what police are treating as a suicide.
The case has left Karembo’s family devastated and demanding justice. Her burial in Hwedza was an emotionally charged affair.
“We are pained as a family. We are just waiting to see what they are going to do,” said Ashley Kalembo, the family spokesperson and Karembo’s brother.
“She will fight from the grave.”
Another family member, who asked not to be named, stated plainly,
“We just want justice to prevail, nothing else. We wish the courts to consider our pain as a family.”
Chanachimwe is scheduled to return to court on February 4.
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