admin
Tendai Gukutikwa
Weekender Reporter
A Dangamvura man was on Monday morning found dead along the Blessing Makunike Road near Mukwena Shopping Centre.
Police on Tuesday confirmed the death of Pfungwa Chiunda (57) and said they are treating it as a murder case.
Chiunda’s body was found a day after he went missing from his home in Area 14, Dangamvura.
Chiunda, a popular firewood vendor, was known in the area for his love of the wise waters, and residents said they had seen him the previous day drinking beer.
Manicaland provincial police spokesperson, Inspector Norbert Muzondo said Chiunda was found dead by a resident, Patience Mupudza, who was sweeping her yard early Monday morning.
“We can confirm the death of Pfungwa Chiunda whose body was found lying near Mukwena Shopping Centre in Dangamvura on Monday. Patience Mupudza who was sweeping her yard found Chiunda’s body lying on the ground, and she reported the matter to the police.
“Chiunda was last seen the previous day by Thomas Nyatina as he was walking in the neighbourhood, drinking his beer alone.
“After a police report was made, detectives attended the scene and discovered that Chiunda’s body had bloodstains on the left eye, bruises on the right side of the head and the left side of the abdomen. He also had a deep cut on his left ankle,” said Inspector Muzondo.
Chiunda’s body was conveyed to Victoria Chitepo Provincial Hospital mortuary for a post-mortem, while investigations are in progress.
In an interview, the deceased’s uncle, Oscar Chiunda said he believes that his nephew was murdered by unknown assailants.
“He was a very humble man who was liked by everybody who knew him. He was self-employed as a firewood vendor and all his customers adored him.
“He loved his beer, but we do not know what caused his death. People saw him drinking his beer while seated at the place where he was later found dead.
“We were shocked when we were called and informed that Chiunda had been found dead. We suspect foul play as his body was battered, proving that someone assaulted him,” he said.
The deceased’s tenant, Brian Mudzimwa said he last saw Chiunda the previous day as they both left for work.
“He told me that he had received some money from one of his clients and would spend the day drinking and enjoying himself.
“He loved his beer so much.
“In fact, we would jokingly tell him that he was married to his beer because he loved it so much. When I came back from work, I did not see him and suspected that he was still downing the wise waters.
“The police shocked us this morning with the news that he had been found dead. We are still at a loss of words because this man was peaceful. We are yet to find out if he was assaulted or if the bruises were as a result of him falling while drunk,” he said.
Mudzimwa said Chiunda was single and had no children.
Online Reporter