Man axed over bad joke

Munyaradzi Musiiwa, Midlands Correspondent
A GWERU man was axed when he joked with workmates alleging that one of his colleagues was sterile and that his wife was too old for him.

Major Dube (35) of Shamrock high-density suburb in Gweru got more than what he bargained for when he sought to entertain his workmates during tea break making fun of one of his colleagues.

He is battling for life at Gweru Provincial Hospital after he was struck with an axe by his workmate Austin Zinjama (25) of Mambo high-density suburb.

Acting Midlands police spokesperson, Assistant Inspector Ethel Mukwende confirmed the incident which occurred last week on Tuesday at HJP Bricks in Gweru at around 10am.

“We are investigating a case of attempted murder where a 25-year-old man from Mambo high-density suburb, who was employed by HJP Bricks in Gweru, struck his 35-year-old workmate with an axe on the back of his head following a misunderstanding during tea break.

“It is alleged that the workers were having their tea break when the complainant cracked a joke alleging that the suspect’s wife was way older than him and that he was not the father of the child that she gave birth to. The suspect was infuriated and picked an axe which was nearby and struck the complainant on the back of his head,” she said.

Asst Insp Mukwende said Dube fell to the ground bleeding profusely and subsequently became unconscious due to the attack.

She said Dube sustained a deep cut at the back of his neck and his condition was said to be critical.

“The complainant was rushed to Gweru Provincial Hospital where he is in a critical state. The matter was reported to the police leading to the suspect’s arrest. The suspect is in police custody assisting with investigations and he will appear in court soon,” said Asst Insp Mukwende.