A KADOMA man died after being struck with a hoe handle by an unknown assailant while walking in the company of his pregnant wife. Thomas Katoma (31) of Number 146 Old Ngezi in Kadoma went for a walk with his eight months pregnant wife Faith Mugoni (25) along the Harare-Bulawayo Road at around 2030hrs.

They walked up to Gutavatema Lodge about 2km from their home and on their way back they met a man who was coming from the opposite direction carrying a wooden hoe handle.

Mashonaland West police spokesperson Inspector Clemence Mabgweazara confirmed the incident adding that investigations were still in progress.

"We are investigating a matter in which a man was struck to death with a weapon while walking with his pregnant wife.

"Our investigations are still in progress," he said.

As the two passed the man, he suddenly turned and struck Katoma once on the head with the handle and he fell unconscious.

He turned on the wife and grabbed her by the throat before pushing her to the ground and demanded cash and cellphone. However, she reportedly told him that she did not have either and he force-marched her into a bush where he released her and ordered her not to look back.

She went to nearby Space Bona Bar about 500m away to seek help and three men accompanied her to the scene where Katoma lay unconscious. They took him to Kadoma General Hospital. He, however, died a day later due to severe head injuries he sustained. Police CID, dogs section attended the scene but failed to locate the culprit.

"We would like to urge anyone with information that could lead to the arrest of the suspect to approach their nearest police station," he said.