Drama as chief flees from vengeful villager

A chief from Matabeleland South who is famous for whipping his subjects, got a taste of his own medicine when he had to flee for life after a villager retaliated and assaulted him.

Villagers gathered to watch as Chief Oaheng Nare Marupi (21) tucked tail and ran for dear life Kabelo Noko of Selonga (31), attacked him.

Chief Marupi is famous for stripping villagers and flogging them at his traditional court.

He allegedly whipped Noko for an undisclosed offence.

Noko confronted the chief at Mbuzimbili Business centre the following day and let loose with punches, kicks and slaps.
Chief Marupi fled to a nearby police base and reported the matter, leading to Noko's arrest.

Noko was fined $100 or 20days imprisonment for assaulting the chief when he was arraigned before magistrate Olivia Mashava Mashaire yesterday.

Noko admitted assaulting Chief Marupi but said he did it to avenge a "thorough whipping" at the hands of the chief the previous day.  He said he was forced to run like a mad man when the chief beat him up.

The chief said Noko attacked him without provocation.  Prosecuting, Mncedisi Dube said Noko assaulted Chief Marupi on February 15 this year at around 11AM while they were Mbuzimbili Business Centre in Guyu. Chief Marupi sustained minor injuries in the attack.