Online Reporter
Midlands Bureau
VILLAGERS in Lower Gweru are in shock after a 52-year-old man was stoned to death at a funeral wake following a dispute over beer.
The gruesome incident has sent shockwaves through the community, leaving residents questioning what could have driven a fellow mourner to such violent extremes.
Acting Midlands Provincial Police Spokesperson, Assistant Inspector Xolani Dube, confirmed the incident.
“On 7 December around 10am, Richard Sibanda (52) of Mantiya Village, Chief Bunina, Lower Gweru, Tinotenda Madanhire (26) of Farm 56 Vungu Maphosa, Lower Gweru, and Jameson Magigwana were drinking beer at a funeral wake at Mantiya Village. A misunderstanding arose between them over beer,” he said.
Asst Insp Dube said it is alleged that Madanhire picked up a stone and struck Sibanda on the head. He said Sibanda fell to the ground and, while lying helpless, Madanhire allegedly crushed his head several times with the stone.
“Sibanda died on the spot. A report was made at ZRP Maboleni and the body was taken to Gweru Provincial Hospital mortuary for post-mortem. Investigations are in progress while the suspects are on the run,” he said.
Asst Insp Dube said police are keen to interview the suspect Madanhire and Magigwana in connection with the murder.
“We are appealing for information from members of the public about their whereabouts,” he said.
Meanwhile, Asst Insp Dube said in an unrelated incident, which occurred in Mberengwa on December 7 around 5pm, Anele Moyo (25) of Munyamani Village, Chief Chizungu, was at Bvute Business Centre when he had a misunderstanding over an undisclosed issue with Perfect Bhidhi of Shayamabvudzi Village under Chief Bvute.
He said the two started fighting.
“Patrick Bhidhi, who is Perfect’s elder brother, intervened and tripped Anele Moyo to the ground, took an unidentified knife from his trousers pocket and stabbed him several times on his body,” he said.
Asst Insp Dube said Moyo bled profusely and a well-wisher at the business centre rushed him to Mberengwa District Hospital, where he died upon admission.
“A report was made at ZRP Mberengwa and the scene was attended. The body was placed at Mberengwa Hospital Mortuary for post-mortem. The suspects are still at large and investigations are in progress,” he said.
Asst Insp Dube said police are keen to interview the Bhidhi brothers in connection with the murder.
“We are appealing for information from members of the public about their whereabouts. The police are urging the public to respect the sanctity of life,” he said.
