Police in Thyolo have arrested a 39-year-old man, Victor Nelson Matebule, for allegedly murdering his wife, Maria Matias, following a domestic dispute over suspected infidelity.
The incident happened at Nkunda Village in Traditional Authority (TA) Khwethemule in Thyolo on the evening of 29 May, 2026.
Thyolo Police Station Deputy Public Relations Officer, Blessings Rabson, confirmed the incident, saying the couple reportedly had a heated argument Friday morning over marital issues.
According to Rabson, Matebule accused his wife of engaging in an extramarital affair, which led to a confrontation that later turned violent.
“During the altercation, the deceased allegedly severed a portion of her husband’s penis. In retaliation, Matebule reportedly assaulted her several times using a wooden hoe handle causing her to collapse,” said Rabson.
The matter was reported to police, who immediately dispatched detectives to the scene.
Both the suspect and the victim were taken to Thyolo District Hospital, where Matias was pronounced dead upon arrival.
A postmortem established that death was caused by severe head injuries resulting from the assault.
Meanwhile, the suspect remains admitted to Thyolo District Hospital under police guard.
Police say Matebule is in stable condition and is expected to appear before court to answer murder charge once discharged from the hospital.
Matebule hails from Nkunda Village, TA Khwethemule in Thyolo while the deceased hailed from Singano Village, TA Mlolo in Nsanje.
