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Prosper Dembedza-Herald Correspondent 

A 29-year-old man from Zimbiru Village under Chief Chinhamhora in Domboshava appeared in court yesterday facing allegations of killing his wife by setting her on fire as they were sharing their matrimonial property.

Ashley Kabaya was facing murder charges when he appeared before Harare magistrate Mr Dennis Mangosi.

He was remanded in custody from his hospital bed and advised to apply for bail at the High Court.

Kabaya and the now deceased, Sphiwe Jenyure, were tenants in Chinhamhora, Domboshava.

The court heard that on the fateful day, the two were in their room sharing property as they were in their final stages of divorcing.

It is alleged that Jenyure was supposed to move out of the house afterwards

The court heard that Kabaya suddenly locked the door from inside, before hitting Jenyure with a golf stick on her back.

He went on to pour a mixture of cobra and paraffin on Jenyure’s body before setting her ablaze, the court further heard.

After torching Jenyure, Kabaya took a comforter and covered her.

When Jenyure realised that Kabaya was about to open the door to flee, she gained courage while in flames and grabbed him, resulting in him being burnt too.

A man who was close by, Digital Zulu, heard Jenyure screaming for help and forced open the door from outside and rescued the two who were in flames.

He got help from other people who had gathered at the scene.

Zulu was able to extinguish the fire, and the two were ferried to Makumbe Mission Hospital for treatment as they had sustained serious burns.

They were transferred to Parirenyatwa Group of Hospitals for further management of the burns.

Jenyure died on April 17 while they were admitted at Parirenyatwa.

Her body is still at the hospital mortuary awaiting post mortem.

Kabaya is still recovering at the same hospital.