adminWalter Mswazie, Masvingo Correspondent
A MWENEZI man allegedly fatally struck his brother’s two-year-old son on the head with a log as he tried to assault the toddler’s mother following an argument over hiring of a scotch cart.
Gift Denhere (32) of Dongwani village under Chief Chitanga area allegedly hit Energy Denhere on the head with a log as he attempted to assault Mrs Auxilia Denhere (51) who was holding the toddler on her lap on Saturday morning.
Energy sustained serious injuries on the head and died on admission to Chiredzi District Hospital the following morning.
Acting Masvingo police spokesperson Assistant Inspector Kudakwashe Dehwa said:
“I can confirm receiving a report of murder involving a two-year-old toddler and his uncle. The uncle missed the baby’s biological mother whom he intended to assault with a log and hit the toddler on the head leading to death. Police have arrested the suspect and he is assisting with investigations. He will appear in court soon on murder charges.”
He said on the fateful day, Denhere and his brother’s wife planned to visit an aunt in Mangezi Village, Makambe area. They intended to use a family scotch cart as transport, but Denhere failed to locate the donkeys to pull the cart.
He said this prompted Denhere to hire a scotch cart for $10 but Mrs Denhere was against the idea arguing that it was a waste of money.
“Denhere picked up a mopane log with the intention of hitting Mrs Denhere who was sitting on a bucket while holding Energy on her lap. He threw the log at her but missed before the weapon allegedly hit Energy’s head once. The toddler sustained serious head injuries and started bleeding profusely,” he said.
He said Mrs Denhere rendered first aid before she rushed to report the matter at Makambe police base.
Energy was rushed to Makambe Clinic, but they were later referred to Chiredzi General Hospital on Sunday morning where the toddler died, hours later.
@walterbmswazie3
Bongani Ndlovu
Online Reporter