71-year-old villager axed for a pig

TWO Gokwe men allegedly teamed up and fatally struck a 71-year-old villager with an axe, accusing him of killing their pig, the Chronicle reported

The pig had reportedly strayed into the now deceased man's maize field and destroyed his  crops.

Midlands Police spokesperson, Inspector Patrick Chademana confirmed the incident that happened recently in Masuku Village, Chief Nemangwe in Gokwe South.
Police identified the deceased as Gaboyi Gabi.

"On the fateful day, a pig strayed into the maize field belonging to the now deceased Gabi  and destroyed his crops. Gabi was not amused,  and he got really angry. He took a spear and   stabbed the pig and he also struck it several times with an axe thereby killing it," said Insp Chademana.

He said the pig belonged to one Landelani Tshuma (35), of Simboti Village under Chief Nemangwe.

Insp Chademana said Landelani's wife witnessed the incident of the killing of the pig and informed her husband about the matter.

"Landelani went to the scene together with his brother, Castern and found Gabi still striking the pig. They asked him why he was attacking their pig and Gabi allegedly became violent and struck Landelani with an axe on the cheek, chest and right arm."

Meanwhile, the two suspect's father, Simboti Chiyamuro followed his two sons to the fields and restrained Gabi from further assaulting Landelani. Chiyamuro wrestled Gabi to the ground and Castern managed to grab a log and struck Gabi  once on the leg, thus forcing the now deceased to drop the axe. Landelani picked up the axe and struck Gabi twice on the head and he fell down," he said.

Insp Chademana said while Gabi was on the ground writhing in pain, Landelani armed himself with a log and struck the now deceased several times on the left leg.

He said Chiyamuro managed to restrain the three from fighting and the matter was reported to the police.

"Landelani was taken to Gokwe District Hospital for treatment and Gabi died at the same hospital while still receiving treatment. The death of Gabi resulted in the arrest of Landelani, who is now under police guard at the hospital. Castern is at large as he ran away after committing the offence. The police have since launched a manhunt for Castern. The body of the deceased is at Gokwe District Hospital mortuary awaiting postmortem," said Insp Chademana.

The Midlands police spokesperson appealed to members of the public who might have information on the whereabouts of Castern to report to any nearest police station.
"They can also make use of our police suggestion boxes," he said.

In another incident that also occurred recently, a 52-year-old man from Gokwe South's Tovo Village was fatally struck with an axe by his younger brother following a dispute on how to take care of their sick sister, according to a police officer based at Gokwe Town.

The police officer said the now deceased man, Simon Gorondo, died upon admission at Gokwe District Hospital.

"Simon Gorondo, his brother, Munyaradzi Muzhari (41) met six other family members to discuss how they were going to take care of   their sick sister, Alice Majoni (65). Gorondo presided over the proceedings as the eldest  of the siblings. A misunderstanding ensued resulting in Muzhari striking his brother Gorondo once with an axe on the back and he fell  down. Gorondo was ferried to Gokwe Hospital where he died soon after

admission," said the police officer.

He said during the family discussions, a decision was passed that all members should take turns in taking care of their sick sister.

"The decision did not go down well with the suspect, Muzhari. He struck his brother Gorondo once with an axe at the back and he fell down.  The matter was reported to the police who attended the scene leading to the arrest of the accused. The injured Gorondo was taken to  Gokwe District Hospital where he was admitted. Gorondo died the following day," said the police officer.

Insp Chademana confirmed the incident which he said was presented to his office as that of attempted murder.