Online Reporter
B-Metro Reporter
AN 18-YEAR-OLD Silobela teen beat a 55-year-old man to death at a Christmas Day gathering.
The High Court sitting in Gweru convicted Samson Simbarashe Tichagwa (18) of murder and slapped him with a 20-year prison sentence, bringing a brutal festive day killing to a grim close.
According to court proceedings, the teen acted like he was possessed on 25 December 2025 at around 9PM in Chief Gobo area, Silobela. The teenager and the now deceased were sharing a casual drink when Tichagwa suddenly kicked the older man, sending him crashing to the ground. As the victim lay helpless, the teen allegedly picked up a white steel chair and repeatedly smashed him, raining blows without mercy.
A neighbour who rushed in to stop the attack and pleaded for calm nearly paid with his life.
Instead of backing down, the teen turned on the Good Samaritan, choking him, pinning him to the ground and silencing his pleas, leaving villagers too terrified to intervene further.
In a final savage act, Tichagwa reportedly returned to his homestead, armed himself with a small axe, and came back to strike the already injured man on the left leg.
The badly wounded victim was later dragged about 800 metres to his home, bleeding and broken. He died while waiting for transport to hospital, never making it to medical care.
The High Court described the attack as senseless and extreme, noting the use of multiple weapons and the total disregard for human life.
In sentencing, the court emphasised that unchecked violence within communities continues to destroy families and futures, particularly when young people resort to brutality over minor disputes.
The motive for the killing was not stated.
The National Prosecuting Authority of Zimbabwe (NPAZ) said the conviction sends a strong warning that murder, no matter the age of the offender, will be met with the full wrath of the law.
