A Chimanimani man is on the run after he allegedly poured petrol on his wife and set her ablaze before locking her inside their bedroom.
The incident occurred in Runosani Village in Chief Muusha’s area.
The couple had a long-standing domestic dispute over ownership of a stand that the wife was given by the village head.
The husband, Munyaradzai Tirimbayi fled from the scene soon after committing the crime and his whereabouts are unknown.
His wife, Noleen Mabvuwa (26) is battling for life at Chimanimani District Hospital after sustaining serious burns all over her body.
Deputy Manicaland provincial police spokesperson, Assistant Inspector Wiseman Chinyoka confirmed the incident. He said:
Tirimbayi and Mabvuwa had a long-standing domestic dispute over ownership of a stand which the latter was allocated by the village head.
Tirimbayi, who had not slept at home the previous day, entered the bedroom where Mabvuwa was sleeping and poured petrol on her.
He threw a flaming stick at her before locking the door from outside and running away.
Mabvuwa broke the door and screamed for help. She was assisted by neighbours who poured water on her. She sustained serious burns all over her body.
She was rushed to Chimanimani District Hospital where her condition was said to be serious.