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Munyaradzi Musiiwa, Midlands Correspondent
A 28-year-old man from Gweru who killed his brother at their workplace following an argument over his mischief has been sentenced to 14 years in jail.
Portifer Chunda of Greenvale in Gweru appeared before Bulawayo High Court judge, Justice Nicholas Mathonsi on circuit in Gweru to answer to a murder charge.
In passing the sentence, Justice Mathonsi said Chunda disrespected his elder brother after he was advised to behave himself at work where the brother was the supervisor.
He said the brothers could have sought a better way of resolving their differences other than resorting to violence.
Justice Mathonsi said people should respect the sanctity of human life adding that the court does not condone murder.
He said 14 years were appropriate also putting into consideration the time the matter took to be concluded.
It was the State’s case that on 15 September 2015, Chunda had an altercation with his brother Tairod (then 35) after he was warned against acts of misconduct at work taking advantage of him as a supervisor.
The two were working at Donbrooke Mine on the outskirts of Gweru where Tairod was a supervisor.
It was the State’s case that on the said date and at around 2am, Tairod confronted his brother as to why he was not performing his duty as required.
A heated argument ensued between the two resulting in Tairod immediately relieving his brother off his duties and ordering him to return to their rural home.
Portifer, the court heard, refused to follow his brother’s orders and stayed put at the mine resulting in Tairod picking up a piece of timber and charging towards his younger brother intending to hit him.
Tairod was, however, restrained by fellow workers.
He then grabbed Portifer by the collar and this infuriated him and he picked up a chisel and struck his brother twice on the head.
The elder brother fell to the ground as a result and started bleeding profusely.
Tairod was rushed to Gweru Provincial Hospital where he was referred to Parirenyatwa Group of Hospitals in Harare.
He, however, died on the way.
Tairod sustained a fractured skull, brain damage and head trauma.
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