daniel chigunwe
Ray Bande
Senior Reporter
A FIGHT between dogs belonging to two brothers from Chipinge sparked a long-standing family feud, culminating in the brutal murder of one of them.
Police in Manicaland confirmed that a manhunt is underway for Amos Nduna (48), from Ziyapenduka Village, Chief Mutema, Chipinge, in connection with the murder of his brother, Rallion Chiambiro Nduna.
Acting Manicaland provincial police spokesperson, Assistant Inspector Wiseman Chinyoka said the late Rallion Chiambiro Nduna (68), was a widower, residing at Farm Number 14, Ziyapenduka Village, under Chief Mutema in Chipinge.
He received care and assistance from Ms Belinah Kanyezi (45) from the same village.
“On Monday, at around 8am, Ms Kanyezi arrived at the victim’s homestead to perform her duties. At around 9am after cleaning the premises, Ms Kanyezi accompanied the now late Nduna to his banana field, about 400 meters away.
He was carrying a machete to prune his banana plants and a measuring wire,” said Assistant Inspector Chinyoka.
He said along the way, the two encountered Nduna’s young brother, Amos, and a confrontation arose after their dogs began fighting.
Amos Nduna, armed with a catapult, shot his brother’s dogs.
This sparked an argument, with Amos threatening to use the catapult against his elder brother, accusing him of failing to control his dogs, and claiming that they had previously bitten his wife and children.
Ms Kanyezi intervened, successfully calming the situation and diffusing the tension.
Assistant Inspector Chinyoka said after the earlier altercation, the late Nduna proceeded to his banana field, while Ms Kanyezi returned to her home.
Amos also went back to his homestead.
Later that day, around 1pm, Ms Kanyezi encountered Amos near a river.
Concerned about the ongoing disputes between him and the late Nduna, she asked about the source of their conflict, to which Amos mentioned unresolved family issues, but did not elaborate before departing.
At around 5pm, Ms Kanyezi tried to contact the late Nduna via his mobile phone, but was unsuccessful.
She continued trying until she retired to bed.
The following morning, around 6am, Ms Kanyezi visited the late Nduna’s homestead, and found the doors locked with no one present.
She went to the banana field where she had last seen him, and upon arrival, she discovered his body lying in a pool of blood with severe head injuries and an amputated left palm.
Ms Kanyezi immediately reported the incident to ZRP Tamandayi Border Base. Police officers from ZRP Chipinge Rural and CID Chipinge attended the scene.
Assistant Inspector Chinyoka said during investigations, it was observed that the deceased’s body was lying east of the banana field, covered with a green cloth.
A search of the body revealed a Samsung mobile phone with an Econet line (0775084357) in his right pocket. A brown cap was found near his head.
The body exhibited severe injuries, including multiple deep cuts on the head, a deep cut wound on the left arm, and an amputated left palm.
A banana pruning machete and measuring wire were found on the ground near the body.
A key to the deceased’s house was discovered beneath the body.
Initial investigations revealed that the late Nduna was last seen alive with Ms Kanyezi, and had engaged in a dispute with Amos Nduna earlier that day.
Although a clear motive for Rallion Chiambiro Nduna’s murder has not been established, the family dynamics suggest underlying tensions that may have contributed to the tragic outcome.
Police have launched a manhunt for the unknown perpetrator, with a focus on Amos Nduna due to his previous confrontational behaviour towards the deceased.
No arrest has been made.
Nduna’s body was transported to Chipinge District Hospital for a post-mortem.
Online Reporter