Man axed to death in sheep row

Walter Mswazie, Masvingo Correspondent
A Bikita man was allegedly bludgeoned to death with an axe following a dispute over missing sheep, police confirmed.
Revesai Tande, 36, of Tande Village under Chief Ziki was fatally hit with the back of an axe during a fight after he and his family accused two brothers from a neighbouring village of stealing their three sheep.

Acting Police spokesperson Assistant Inspector Kudakwashe Dehwa said the police had arrested two suspects in connection with the Revesai’s murder.

“We are holding two suspects in police custody. The two are assisting police with investigations,” he said.

Asst Insp Dehwa refused to elaborate for fear of jeopardising investigations.

The incident happened on Sunday at around 7.30 AM.

Sources said Tande, his brothers Mupamhadzi Tande, 46, Chamunoda Tande, 18, and their father, Nyika Ziki, (age not given) left home in search of their three missing sheep.

Chief Ziki said the quartet approached Muvhengi brothers, Titos, 24, and Solomon, 22, of Mudziwechi Village in the same area inquiring about the missing sheep. He said the Muvhengi brothers professed ignorance on the whereabouts of the sheep.

The traditional leader said the Tandes believed local gossip that portrayed the Muvhengi family as people with a history of stealing other villagers’ livestock.

“Incensed by the allegations, Titos grabbed Ziki by the throat accusing his family of spreading malicious rumours to the effect that he and his sibling had a history of stock theft. However, Ziki managed to slip off from Titos’ grip. Titos then went on to shoot Revesai with a catapult and that degenerated into a fierce fight,” Chief Ziki said.

He said Mupamhadzi and Chamunoda Tande intervened as they tried to stop the fight but Solomon Muvhengi joined the tussle, taking sides with his brother, Titos.

“The Muvhengi brothers beat Ziki together with his sons with logs forcing them to retreat. However, in the middle of the skirmish, Titos allegedly drew a knife which he used to stab Revesai in the stomach and ribs several times before he collapsed to the ground. Revesai bled profusely from the stab wounds,” said Chief Ziki.

When Revesai regained consciousness, he tried to stand on his feet but Solomon bludgeoned him on the head with the back of an axe resulting in Revesai dying on the spot.

A report was made to the police leading to Titos and Solomon’s arrest.