News / National
Cellphone theft suspect dies in brutal attack
11 Nov 2024 at 07:15hrs | Views
A man accused of stealing a cellphone tragically died in Chinhoyi after he was subjected to a brutal assault by three men, who allegedly beat him with a shovel and logs before burning his feet in an attempt to force a confession.
The deceased has been identified as 27-year-old Benny Chidiwa, from Murereka, Lion's Den, in Mashonaland West province. The incident occurred on November 8, 2024, at Fairplay Farm near Risheng Mine, Chikuti, Chinhoyi.
According to Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) national spokesperson, Commissioner Paul Nyathi, the assault was sparked by accusations that Chidiwa had stolen a cellphone belonging to one of the attackers, known only as "Bigboy." Nyathi confirmed that one suspect, 25-year-old Goodwill Love, has been arrested in connection with the murder.
"Police in Murereka have arrested Goodwill Love (25) in connection with a case of murder which occurred at Fairplay farm near Risheng Mine, Chikuti on November 8, 2024. The suspect and his two accomplices, only identified as Bigboy and Brave, allegedly took turns to assault the victim with a shovel and logs before burning his feet with firewood after accusing him of stealing a cellphone belonging to Bigboy," Nyathi stated.
The victim, Chidiwa, was severely beaten before being set on fire in a desperate effort by the attackers to extract a confession. Authorities say the assault ended with Chidiwa's death at the scene. The two accomplices, Bigboy and Brave, are still on the run, and the police are actively pursuing leads.
In a separate case, police in Harare are investigating another murder that occurred on the same day. A man, whose identity has not yet been confirmed, was found dead at a church shrine in Chirasavana, Dema. The body, which was covered with a blanket, had a fatal head wound. A blood-stained stone was found at the scene, and authorities are seeking any information from the public.
ZRP has urged anyone with information regarding either case to report it to the nearest police station.
The brutal death of Benny Chidiwa has sparked outrage and concern about the growing violence linked to vigilante justice and mob attacks in the country.
The deceased has been identified as 27-year-old Benny Chidiwa, from Murereka, Lion's Den, in Mashonaland West province. The incident occurred on November 8, 2024, at Fairplay Farm near Risheng Mine, Chikuti, Chinhoyi.
According to Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) national spokesperson, Commissioner Paul Nyathi, the assault was sparked by accusations that Chidiwa had stolen a cellphone belonging to one of the attackers, known only as "Bigboy." Nyathi confirmed that one suspect, 25-year-old Goodwill Love, has been arrested in connection with the murder.
"Police in Murereka have arrested Goodwill Love (25) in connection with a case of murder which occurred at Fairplay farm near Risheng Mine, Chikuti on November 8, 2024. The suspect and his two accomplices, only identified as Bigboy and Brave, allegedly took turns to assault the victim with a shovel and logs before burning his feet with firewood after accusing him of stealing a cellphone belonging to Bigboy," Nyathi stated.
In a separate case, police in Harare are investigating another murder that occurred on the same day. A man, whose identity has not yet been confirmed, was found dead at a church shrine in Chirasavana, Dema. The body, which was covered with a blanket, had a fatal head wound. A blood-stained stone was found at the scene, and authorities are seeking any information from the public.
ZRP has urged anyone with information regarding either case to report it to the nearest police station.
The brutal death of Benny Chidiwa has sparked outrage and concern about the growing violence linked to vigilante justice and mob attacks in the country.
Source - newzimbabwe
