Online Reporter
Tendai Gukutikwa
Crime Reporter
A 28-YEAR-OLD from Odzi is battling for his life at Victoria Chitepo Provincial Hospital after being brutally attacked with a machete by an assailant who allegedly accused him of being boastful and pompous.
Police have launched a manhunt for the suspect, Tinashe Murwira, who is now on the run and has been declared a fugitive from justice.
The violent incident, reportedly fuelled by jealousy and accusations of arrogance, occurred at a local night spot in Odzi on April 6.
Confirming the case, acting Manicaland provincial police spokesperson, Assistant Inspector Wiseman Chinyoka, said they are treating the matter as attempted murder.
“We confirm a case of attempted murder which occurred at a night club in Odzi, where a man was attacked with a machete following a misunderstanding,” he said.
Assistant Inspector Chinyoka said the attack occurred on April 6 at around 11pm at Dark Horse Night Club in Odzi, where the victim, Laymore Bhaingepi, was socialising with his friends, drinking alcohol. Muriwa, allegedly approached and confronted the victim over allegations of being boastful about his purported association with his employer at an undisclosed mining site.
“The situation escalated when Muriwa slapped Bhaingepi once on the left cheek, prompting the latter to retaliate. Bhaingepi left the night club, apparently attempting to avoid further confrontation. However, as he was leaving the scene, Muriwa followed him outside, withdrew a machete from his trousers and struck him once on the forehead. Bhaingepi attempted to flee, but was pursued and struck twice on the forehead again, before other patrons intervened and restrained the armed assailant,” he said.
Assistant Inspector Chinyoka said Bhaingepi sustained serious head injuries and was battling for life in hospital, where authorities said his condition was critical. “The victim suffered deep cuts on the forehead and was rushed to Victoria Chitepo Provincial Hospital where he was admitted. He is currently in a critical condition, fighting for his life,” he said.
Assistant Inspector Chinyoka added that police officers from ZRP Odzi attended the scene shortly after the report was made, but the armed suspect had already vanished into the darkness.
He appealed to members of the public with information regarding Murwira’s whereabouts to report to their nearest police station.
“As police, we police are continuing with efforts to locate the suspect and bring him to justice as the victim remains under medical care in a serious condition. This case highlights the dangers of escalating minor disagreements into violent encounters. The public is reminded that assault cases can quickly degenerate into serious crimes such as attempted murder, attracting severe penalties under the law,” he said.
Assistant Inspector Chinyoka also appealed for calm, and urged members of the public to avoid violent confrontations, especially those stemming from misunderstandings in social settings. “We urge members of the public to desist from violence and to resolve disputes amicably. The use of dangerous weapons such as machetes in disputes is a serious criminal offence and can result in severe injuries or loss of life,” he warned.
Police have reiterated that carrying dangerous weapons in public places and using them in altercations will not be tolerated, and offenders will face the full wrath of the law.
