Hefty headman's fine leads to suicide

FAILURE to stomach a hefty fine of 15 beasts for allegedly causing the mysterious death of a Chipinge chief's aide saw a 74-year-old man committing suicide recently.

The late Willie Zakaria had appeared before Chief Musikavanhu's court where he was found guilty of causing the death of the chief's aide, but later committed suicide. 

Deputy Chipinge District police spokesperson, Sergeant Clothing Ncube, confirmed the incident which occurred at Sakuinje Village under Chief Musikavanhu area on August 17.

Sgt Ncube said: "Willie Zakaria was accused of having a hand in the death of Chief Musikavanhu's aide Irikidzai Chikebe using superstitious means on a date unknown to the police.

"After the death of Chikebe, family members went to consult a traditional healer in the village to find out what was the cause of the sudden death of their elder. Zakaria was implicated in the sudden death. He was then dragged to Chief Musikavanhu's court where he was ordered to compensate the Chikebe family. They demanded 15 beasts from Zakaria," he said.

Sgt Ncube said Zakaria disappeared from the village on August 15.

"On August 17, Zakaria's body was discovered hanging from a tree branch by Takudzwa Sithole who was looking for his stray cattle," he said.

A police report was made and the body was taken to Chipinge District Hospital for post mortem.