Sisters team up with boyfriend to murder brother

TWO sisters and a lover to one of them, allegedly teamed up to kill their brother before conniving to mislead the police that he had been murdered by unknown assailants, the High Court heard this week.

High Court judge, Justice Samuel Kudya heard that Elizabeth Nyambayo (39) and Theresa Nyarugwe (36) allegedly killed their brother Hardson Nyarugwe at the height of a domestic dispute with the assistance of Proud Michael, Nyambayo's boyfriend in Murehwa.

The trio is facing murder charges. The incident took place in November 2010.

Michael, however, died in remand prison before his trial had been completed leaving the two sisters to face the murder charge.

They denied the charge.

The State led by Mr Beven Murevanhema from the Attorney General's Office, alleges that the deceased arrived home at night from a beer drink after his sisters had retired to bed.

It is alleged that Elizabeth then woke up and confronted Hardson about a door key which she alleged the deceased had broken.

A fist fight ensued between the deceased resulting in Elizabeth calling for a hammer from her boyfriend who obliged by throwing it to her.

It is alleged that the hammer failed to get to her and Theresa threw it further to her elder sister who struck Hardson all over his body.

They subsequently carried the deceased to his bedroom and he was found dead the following morning.

In yesterday's proceedings, defence counsel for Elizabeth, Advocate Patti Kachidza of Advocate Chambers applied to have some State witness recalled after the State had closed its case arguing that the lawyer who initially handled the case had not cross examined them on some issues she thought were pertinent.

Adv Kachidza took over the case yesterday after the lawyer dealing with it left private practice.

Justice Kudya, however, dismissed the application, saying the witness could not be recalled on the basis that the then defence counsel did not raise issues.

Justice Kudya said all parties were given an opportunity to raise issues and it was up to them to do that.

Elizabeth said on the day in question, she had a fight with her brother who was a vendor.

She said she did not realise that her brother had sustained injuries.

Theresa said she did not participate in the fight as she remained in her room on the day in question.

She said she only helped to carry Hardson to his bedroom after the fight.

Theresa is being represented Mrs Agnes Chatsama of Msawi and Partners.

Both lawyers are appearing pro deo.

The trial continues.