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Midlands Bureau Chief
A MAN from Mvuma in the Midlands Province went berserk and ruthlessly assaulted his wife and father-in-law before torching two huts and a fowl run after they spurned his demand for US$10 000 compensation for labour he claimed to have provided.
The victims, Ms Gladys Munda (26) and her father Mr Simon Munda (49) are battling for their lives after Gilbert Nzwanda (27) axed them at their homestead in Chiodza Village.
Midlands provincial police spokesperson Inspector Emmanuel Mahoko confirmed the matter which he said happened on Friday.
He said Nzwanda is now on the run.
“I can confirm that we are investigating a case of attempted murder involving Gilbert Nzwanda of Chiodza Village in Mvuma who is now on the run,” said Insp Mahoko.
Ms Munda was at their homestead with her father Mr Munda when Nzwanda approached them and demanded to be paid US$10 000 by his father-in-law as compensation for the labour he provided during the period he stayed at his in-law’s homestead.
“An argument ensued after the suspect’s father-in-law turned down his demand. Nzwanda drew a machete from his pair of trousers and indiscriminately struck his wife,” said Insp Mahoko
When Mr Munda tried to restrain his son-in-law from further inflicting injuries to his wife, Nzwanda struck him on the head.
Insp Mahoko said Mr Nicholas Mawire (45) of Utah Village in Mvuma who was passing by spotted Nzwanda attacking Mr Munda.
He rushed to the scene and tried to intervene during which he was caught in the crossfire.
Nzwanda turned the heat on Mr Mawire and struck him on the cheek and neck.
Mr Mawire managed to disarm Nzwanda before he ran into the kitchen hut and took a burning log before he set ablaze two huts, and a fowl run.
Ms Munda was at their homestead with her father Mr Munda when Nzwanda approached them and demanded to be paid US$10 000 by his father-in-law as compensation for the labour he provided during the period he stayed at his in-law’s homestead.
The three victims managed to escape.
Insp Mahoko said the three are admitted to Mvuma District Hospital.
“The matter was reported to us and our officers attended the scene. The machete used in committing the offence was recovered and the victims were taken to Mvuma District Hospital where they are admitted,” he said.
“The suspect is still at large and we are appealing to members of the public with information that may lead to his arrest.”
Online Reporter