Man fatally assaulted by workmate

A 37-year-old man from Chiredzi died from injuries sustained when he was assaulted by a workmate following a misunderstanding, police said yesterday.

Masvingo provincial police spokesperson Inspector Peter Zhanero said the incident happened sometime last week. He identified the deceased as Lameck Chirotsva of Mapanza Compound in Mkwasine.

He said the suspect was arrested and is assisting police with investigations.

"On the day in question Chirotsva was at Nandi Canefield cutting sugarcane with other cane cutters. During the course of working in the sugarcane field, he had a misunderstanding with one of the cutters, Kenneth Munikwa (36)," said Insp Zhanero.

"The pair argued over who was supposed to finish off the remaining piece of work. The quarrel resulted in a fist fight between the two and that saw Munikwa kicking Chirotsva several times on the chin.

"He sustained serious injuries on his jaws."

A report was made at Chiredzi Police Station resulting in the arrest of Munikwa.

Insp Zhanero said Chirotsva was rushed to Chiredzi Hospital and later transferred to Masvingo General Hospital. His condition deteriorated and he was further referred to Parirenyatwa Group of Hospitals in Harare where he was admitted.

He died on Monday.