Chronicle Editor
Walter Mswazie, Masvingo Correspondent
A BIKITA man has been arrested for allegedly fatally striking a fellow villager with a hoe, police have confirmed.
Vivito Tambanowenyu (34) of Gorondondo Village under Chief Marozva allegedly struck John Matakade (28) of Sosera Business Centre once on the head with a hoe.
Matakade died on Sunday while admitted to Masvingo General Hospital, days after the assault.
The assailant fled after committing the crime but was arrested following a manhunt.
Acting Masvingo police spokesperson Assistant Inspector Kudakwashe Dehwa said: “We initially got a report of attempted murder which eventually became murder after a Bikita man struck a fellow imbiber with a hoe in a revenge fit.”
He said the deceased sustained serious head injuries and was rushed to Silveira Mission Hospital, but was transferred to Masvingo General Hospital.
Asst Insp Dehwa said Matakade died while admitted to the hospital, and the assailant’s charge changed from attempted murder to that of murder.
“On Monday last week, Matakade was mending shoes while drinking beer at Mazivofa homestead with his wife, Ms Nyaradzo Matinga (30) sitting beside him. They were seated at the veranda of the main house. A visibly drunk, Tambanowenyu arrived from behind armed with a hoe saying he wanted to revenge as the deceased had allegedly assaulted him at the beginning of the month,” he said.
Asst Insp Dehwa said Tambanowenyu struck Matakade and he fell lost consciousness.
He said Matakade died on Sunday at around 2AM while admitted to the hospital.
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