Online Reporter
A BUHERA family has been left devastated after a 46-year-old man allegedly murdered his younger brother with an axe following a dispute that began during a beer-drinking spree.
Acting Manicaland police spokesperson Assistant Inspector Wiseman Chinyoka said the suspect, Blessing Musapukira, has since been arrested.
“The Zimbabwe Republic Police confirms a case of murder which occurred in Buhera, where Musapukira allegedly struck his brother, Denford Musapukira (44), several times with an axe following a misunderstanding,” he said.
The tragic incident took place in the early hours of April 9, 2026 in Chaputika village, under Chief Nyashanu.
“Around 2am, the accused and the deceased, who are brothers living at the same homestead, returned home from Bhegedhe shops in Muzokomba, where they had been drinking beer,” he said. Tensions between the two had, however, started earlier.
“It is alleged that the accused and the deceased had a misunderstanding over undisclosed issues the previous day while drinking beer, which later escalated upon their return home,” said Asst Insp Chinyoka.
The situation reportedly turned violent when Blessing armed himself with an axe.
“He allegedly struck his brother four times on the head, twice on the left arm and once on the right hand,” he said.
Following the attack, Blessing is said to have contacted a relative and confessed to the crime.
“After committing the offence, the accused person called the informant, Nhamo Zvavanyenyu, using his cellphone and informed him of what he had done. The matter was subsequently reported to Mutiusinazita Police Base,” said the police. Police officers from Muzokomba attended the scene and arrested the suspect, who is now in custody.
The body of the deceased was taken to Birchenough Bridge Hospital, where it awaits a post-mortem.
“We continue to urge the public to desist from resorting to violence when faced with disputes. Issues should be resolved amicably or with the assistance of community leaders,” he said.
He warned that the use of weapons in domestic or social disputes often leads to tragic and irreversible consequences, destroying families and communities in the process.
He emphasised that violence, especially when fuelled by anger or intoxication, escalates situations that could otherwise be resolved peacefully.
“People must understand that taking the law into their own hands, particularly under the influence of alcohol, can result in loss of life and serious criminal charges,” he said, adding that individuals should always seek lawful and non-violent ways to address conflicts before they spiral out of control. — Manicaland Bureau
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Security guards busted stealing from own workplace
Two security guards have landed themselves in serious trouble after stealing 61 bags of maize from their employer.
Philani Amahlangu (42) of Smith Compound and John Makwature (51) of Njube, who were employed at Sondelani Ranching Private Limited, appeared before Bulawayo magistrate Barbara Phiri.
The pair was sentenced to 24 months in jail after being convicted of theft.
However, six months were suspended for five years, while the remaining 18 months were commuted to 630 hours of community service.
The complainant in the matter is Sondelani Ranching, represented by fellow security guard Jacob Manzanga. According to prosecutor Karen Magundani, the theft occurred on December 26, 2025, around 2am.
The two guards, who also enlisted Dumisani Moyo, conspired to steal the maize.
Moyo, who pleaded not guilty, is currently out of custody and will return to court on a later date for trial.
The court heard that Moyo loaded the stolen maize into his truck, but the plan quickly unravelled. Police officers on patrol intercepted the vehicle and recovered 28 bags of 50kg maize.
Moyo then led the police to a house in Mahatshula North, where another 33 bags were recovered from an earlier delivery.
In total, 61 bags worth US$1 037 were stolen — all of which were recovered, thanks to swift police action. The bust led to the arrest of Amahlangu and Makwature, ending their inside job in dramatic fashion. — Bulawayo Bureau
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Odzi man critical after brutal machete attack
A 28-year-old man from Odzi is battling for his life at Victoria Chitepo Provincial Hospital after being brutally attacked with a machete by an assailant who accused him of being boastful.
Police have launched a manhunt for the suspect, Tinashe Murwira, who is now on the run.
The violent incident occurred at a local night spot in Odzi on April 6.
Confirming the case, Acting Manicaland provincial police spokesperson Assistant Inspector Wiseman Chinyoka said the matter is being treated as attempted murder.
“We confirm a case of attempted murder which occurred at a nightclub in Odzi, where a man was attacked with a machete following a misunderstanding,” he said.
Asst Insp Chinyoka said the attack took place around 11pm at Dark Horse Night Club, where the victim, Laymore Bhaingepi, was socialising with friends.
Murwira allegedly confronted him over claims that he was boastful about his association with his employer at an undisclosed mining site.
“The situation escalated when Murwira slapped Bhaingepi once on the left cheek, prompting him to retaliate. Bhaingepi then left the nightclub, apparently trying to avoid further confrontation.
“However, Murwira followed him outside, withdrew a machete from his trousers and struck him once on the forehead. As Bhaingepi attempted to flee, Murwira pursued him and struck him twice more on the forehead before other patrons intervened and restrained him,” said the police.
Bhaingepi sustained serious head injuries and was rushed to Victoria Chitepo Provincial Hospital, where he remains in critical condition.
Police officers from ZRP Odzi attended the scene shortly after the report was made, but the suspect had already fled.
He appealed to members of the public with information on Murwira’s whereabouts to report to their nearest police station.
“As police, we are continuing efforts to locate the suspect and bring him to justice as the victim remains under medical care in a serious condition. This case highlights the dangers of escalating minor disagreements into violent encounters. The public is reminded that assault cases can quickly degenerate into serious crimes such as attempted murder, attracting severe penalties under the law,” he said.
He further urged communities to avoid violent confrontations, especially those arising from misunderstandings in social settings.
“We urge members of the public to desist from violence and to resolve disputes amicably. The use of dangerous weapons such as machetes in disputes is a serious criminal offence and can result in severe injuries or loss of life,” he warned.
Police reiterated that carrying dangerous weapons in public places and using them in altercations will not be tolerated, and offenders will face the full wrath of the law. — Manicaland Bureau
