Man axes father to death at mother's funeral

Villagers of Chimunda area in Mt Darwin were left shell shocked when a man struck his father on the head with an axe.

The tragic development reportedly took place on 12 July when members of Chimunda village under headman Gomo had just buried Jesca Murimapaibwe who was married to Eddison Tsvipa (68).

It is alleged that Eddison's son, Noel Tsvipa (30), struck his father on his head with an axe as mourners watched in horror. Eddison reportedly died on the spot. Reports say Noel claimed that his father had caused deaths of many people in the family and the village, including Noel's mother, who was Eddison's wife.

Noel's brother, Sebastian Tsvipa (39), said his young brother had a fight with their father over witchcraft accusations.

"Noel used to beat up our dad and accused him of bewitching our mother. He said our father caused our mother to suffer from BP. He went on to accuse him of killing members of our family. The issue had also been reported to the police, and Noel appeared before the courts several times. Just after we returned from burying our mother, that is when Noel murdered our father with an axe," said Sebastian.

Sources who spoke to our news crew said Noel claimed that his father owned a goblin and used his witchcraft powers to kill members of their family who included Sydney Tsvipa, Getrude Tsvipa among others. Well placed sources said during the funeral, Noel declared that his father was supposed to die too.

After having declared that, all axes, hoes and other dangerous weapons had been hidden from the moment Noel declared that his father was supposed to die too. Claims that Eddison was a seriel wizard were initially raised by Noel's sisters, Zvita Chimukombe, Recha Chimukombe and Katsebede Hedhe, who are all now late. Reports say they would be told the same story that Eddison was bewitching other family members, this they were told as they were visiting one traditional healer after the other.

On the fateful day, Noel allegedly visited their neighbour's homestead, Lucious Kapfuti, where he borrowed an axe after telling them that he wanted to chop some firewood. After being given the axe, Noel reportedly went to her aunt's homestead, Paridza Chigango, who was Eddison's sister and his father seated. He told his father that the time had come for him to follow all the people whom he had killed.

"I was preparing sadza for my brother after we had returned from burying my sister-in-law. I heard my brother crying in agony. I got the shock of my life when I saw my brother lying in a pool of blood, with an axe dug into his head," said tete Chigango.

Noel was later arrested by police from Mt Darwin. Police spokesperson for Mashonaland central, Assistant Inspector Petros NMasikati, confirmed the incident.

"It's true. We received such a case. Noel has since been arrested and is expected to appear before the courts soon," he said.

Eddison was later buried next to his wife's grave.