Man kills brother-in-law in dispute over cellphone

A 55-year-old man from Shurugwi was fatally assaulted with a hoe handle following a dispute over a cellphone in Kodobo Village under Chief Nhema. The incident occurred on September 8, 2025.

Midlands provincial police spokesperson Inspector Emmanuel Mahoko confirmed the arrest of a 33-year-old suspect in connection with the murder.

"I can confirm the arrest of a 33-year-old man for murdering his brother-in-law following a dispute over a cellphone. The suspect will appear in court soon," said Inspector Mahoko.

He urged the public to embrace peaceful ways of resolving disputes and to respect the sanctity of human life.

According to police reports, the suspect, Last Bazangi of Chief Madyangove in Chivi, was visiting his sister, Patience Joka (37), who lived with her husband, the now-deceased Peter Chigamanye (55). On the night of the incident, Joka retired to bed, leaving the two men conversing in the kitchen hut.

A short while later, Chigamanye informed his wife that Bazangi had taken his cellphone and refused to return it. Moments later, Bazangi allegedly stormed into the bedroom armed with a hoe handle and struck Chigamanye several times on the head, leaving him unconscious.

The victim was rushed to Shurugwi District Hospital, where he died upon admission. Police arrested Bazangi the following day at a bus stop along the Zvishavane–Masvingo road.

Authorities say investigations are ongoing and have reiterated calls for disputes to be resolved through dialogue and legal means rather than violence.