Jealous ex-partner jailed for mum's stabbing murder

Obert Moyo was described as a danger to women by police

A jealous ex-partner who killed a mother in front of her two children after she broke up with him has been jailed for a minimum of 27 years.

Obert Moyo stabbed Perseverance Ncube, 35, in the chest in Dukesgate Grove in Little Hulton, Salford, in the early hours of 10 November last year.

Police said Moyo had broken into her home following a "campaign of stalking" and her children, aged 10 and 12, tried to fight him off.

The 46-year-old admitted murder and was handed a life sentence at Manchester's Minshull Street Crown Court.

Perseverance Ncube was a "loving and devoted mother", her family said

Moyo, of Pennington Road, Bolton, had denied the killing but changed his plea to guilty on the first day of his trial.

The court heard the pair had been in a relationship but Moyo stalked Ms Ncube, known as Percy, for months after she ended it.

Moyo first broke into the home and attacked her in her bedroom but her two children dragged him off her.

He then chased her down the street and stabbed her in the chest.

Prosecutor Eloise Marshall KC told the court her children could be heard in the background of the 999 call, with one of them praying for their mother's life.

Moyo fled the scene before he was arrested in Bolton later the same day, said Miss Marshall.

'I hate you'

In a victim personal statement, Ms Ncube’s son said: "Me and my sister have been robbed of our mother and our whole life.

"Every day with a burning pain, I miss her, I miss being able to hug her. I miss being able to talk to her.

"Mum I miss you and I will always love you.”

Her daughter told Moyo that he had "ruined her whole life", adding: "You have stolen my mum from me.

"I really thought that you were a father to me but you are not… I hate you.”

Sentencing Moyo to a life jail term, Judge Patrick Field KC told him his crime had been "premeditated, brutal and wicked".

The judge said: "When Ms Ncube formed a relationship with another man in September 2023 you were consumed by jealousy and your behaviour deteriorated further.

"This fatal attack took place in front of her children.

"You then ran away leaving Perseverance Ncube to die in the street.

"The cries of distress and terror accompanying that scene were truly awful.

"The impact on those children is unimaginable.

"This was a calculated, premeditated, brutal and wicked offence."

On licence

Moyo was on licence at the time of the killing from a 14-year jail term imposed at Lewes Crown Court in January 2013 for attacking another woman following their relationship break-up.

Greater Manchester Police described Moyo as a "dangerous and violent man who would not accept his relationship with Percy was over".

Det Ch Insp Gina Brennand said: "Percy’s children have been unbelievably brave and are supported by a close and loving family.

"Percy was full of life, frequently described as lighting up a room, and a treasured member of her church community."