Police Hunt Suspect in Mkoba Wife Hammer Murder
Zimbabwe Republic Police have launched a manhunt for Nhlalo Darlington Baloyi, an artisanal miner accused of killing his wife, Patricia Nyathi, with a hammer in Gweru’s Mkoba 4 suburb following an infidelity dispute.
Delicious Mathuthu 
Gweru - Zimbabwe Republic Police have launched a manhunt for a 37-year-old artisanal miner who allegedly bludgeoned his wife to death with a hammer following a dispute over suspected infidelity in Gweru.
Authorities identified the suspect as Nhlalo Darlington Baloyi, also known as Khaye, originally of Mkhonto Village under Chief Ntabeni in Zhombe.
Baloyi is accused of the March 2 murder of his 32-year-old wife, Patricia Nyathi, in the high-density suburb of Mkoba 4.
The couple had reportedly been cohabiting at the Mkoba 4 residence since December 2025 before the fatal encounter occurred in the early hours of the morning.
Midlands provincial police spokesperson, Inspector Emmanuel Mahoko, said the incident took place at approximately 3.00 a.m. while the deceased was performing domestic chores.
"Circumstances are that, on 2 March 2026 at around 0300 hours, Patricia was outside the house doing her laundry when Nhlalo followed her and started accusing her of infidelity," Inspector Mahoko said.
Police reports indicate that a heated altercation ensued between the couple.
The situation escalated when Baloyi allegedly entered the house and armed himself with a vehicle shock absorber.
The victim’s 13-year-old daughter, reportedly attempted to intervene after sensing the looming danger, momentary restraining the suspect from striking her mother with the automotive part.
The intervention however failed to de-escalate the violence. Police state that Baloyi returned to the house and retrieved a hammer, which he then used to strike Nyathi repeatedly on the head.
"Nhlalo allegedly went back into the house and brought a hammer which he used to hit Patricia with, several times on the head," Inspector Mahoko said.
Nyathi is said collapsed from the injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene.
Baloyi fled the premises immediately after the attack, and his current whereabouts remain unknown despite ongoing police efforts to track him.
The suspect is known to frequent Shurugwi, where he is an artisanal miner.
Police have appealed to the public for information that may lead to his arrest, noting that reports can be made at any police station or via the national police WhatsApp platform.
"We are appealing to members of the public who might have information on the whereabouts of Nhlalo Darlington Baloyi to report at any police station," Inspector Mahoko said.
