Man kills aunt (75) in witchcraft row

A GUTU man is on the run after he allegedly fatally struck his 75-year-old aunt with an axe following a dispute over witchcraft allegations, police have confirmed.

James Takawira (30) of Chatsworth Resettlement area allegedly struck Lobiya Chikonyora several times on the face and she died on the spot.

Masvingo police spokesperson Inspector Charity Mazula said the incident occurred on Wednesday afternoon.

"We are investigating a case of murder which occurred on Wednesday in Gutu's Chatsworth area. A man allegedly struck his elderly aunt with an axe after accusing her of witchcraft. The man fled after committing the crime and police have since launched a manhunt," said Insp Mazula.

She said on the fateful day, Chikonyora was in her field in Chatsworth when Takawira approached her and said he wanted to discuss family issues.

Insp Mazula said the two sat under a tree to discuss the matter.

"During the discussion, Takawira accused Chikonyora of witchcraft saying she had cast a bad omen on him and other family members. A misunderstanding arose and Takawira seized an axe that Chikonyora was holding before striking her several times on the face," she said.

The police spokesperson said during the attack Chikonyora screamed for help but no one came to her rescue. She died on the spot.

Insp Mazula said Takawira dragged the body for a few metres and when he realised that Ms Patience Masilo (24) of Norwood farm was watching him, he fled from the scene.