Online Reporter
Mutare Bureau
A HOMELESS man has been murdered in Mutare and police have arrested his girlfriend and another man.
Manicaland police spokesperson, Assistant Inspector Wiseman Chinyoka, identified the man, who was killed, only as Tapiwa.
“The deceased, Tapiwa, was a male adult…who stayed around the Old Lyon complex.
“He was in a relationship with one of the accused persons, Mary Marondo, (27), of Chawaita Village, under Chief Marange,” Ass Insp Chinyoka said.
He said the deceased and Marondo were known to cohabit at Old Lyon complex and were both allegedly involved in drug abuse. Trouble started on Sunday at around 2pm when the two had a heated argument, which led to a fight.
Kelvin Bande, who also stays at the Old Lyon complex, was present during the altercation.
Ass Insp Chinyoka said later in the evening, Bande went to sleep in his room.
Marondo left the area to fetch water from Greengate, along Fifth Street, about 200 metres from the scene.
However, events took a darker turn in the early morning hours.
“At around 4am, Bande woke up and noticed the deceased lying motionless on the ground, facing upwards.
“He then went to look for assistance and later informed Marondo,” Ass Insp Chinyoka.
The two realised that Tapiwa was dead.
“Instead of reporting immediately to the police, the two fled from the scene after confiding to a third party. “The third person later reported the matter to Mutare Central Police, prompting officers to attend the scene,” Ass Insp Chinyoka said.
He said police officers who attended the scene observed that the deceased was half-dressed, wearing a pair of blue jeans, and had visible injuries.
“The body had bruises on the left hand and a cut on the back of the head. He was lying on his back.
“One witness confirmed seeing the deceased with Marondo and also saw Bande beating the deceased.
“The two have since been apprehended and are assisting police with investigations.
“At this stage, the identity of the deceased’s relatives is not yet known.
“We are appealing to members of the public who may have a missing relative by the name Tapiwa to come forward and assist with identification.”
He added:
“People must learn to resolve their disagreements peacefully.
“Violence, especially when fuelled by drugs and alcohol, often leads to irreversible consequences such as loss of life.”
