Online Reporter
Solomon Bhumu
Post Reporter
A DECOMPOSING body of a man, who was allegedly assaulted by seven men who accused him of stock theft, was found in his home at Mashakwari Village under Chief Musikavanhu.
Manicaland police spokesperson, Assistant Inspector Wiseman Chinyoka, confirmed the incident and identified the deceased as Navela Matoro.
He said police have arrested three suspects —Trymore Sigauke, Simbarashe Sigauke, and Ernest Sithole —while efforts are underway to locate the remaining four, who are still at large.
According to the police, on June 21 this year, at around 8am, seven men went to Matoro’s homestead, accusing him of stealing their donkeys.
When they failed to find him at home, they followed him to the fields, where he was working alone.
“The seven suspects followed him to the fields, where they found him alone, tied his hands, and took turns assaulting him with open hands.
“After the assault, they took him to the village head, Mr Mwanyisa, to report the matter and he was later released,” said Assistant Inspector Chinyoka.
Later that same day, Matoro is said to have visited his father’s home and advised him of how he was bashed.He then returned home, where he lived alone.
On Sunday, his neighbour Tatenda Mutetwa, (29), detected a strong smell coming from Matoro’s bedroom, and upon investigating, he found flies swarming the door and immediately alerted the village head.
When they gained entry into the house, they found Matoro’s body in a decomposing state.
The matter was reported to police in Chisumbanje, who attended the scene.
Visible bruises were observed on the deceased’s eyes, elbow, left ear and back. The body was taken to St Peter’s Hospital mortuary for a post-mortem.
derick.khumalo