Online Reporter
Yeukai Karengezeka
Court Correspondent
Murder-accused Timothy Diamond (28), has been remanded in custody for the fatal assault of Oliver Rusike in Mazowe.
He appeared before Harare Provincial Magistrate Ms Ruth Moyo, where he was formally charged with murder and remanded until December 13, with the High Court designated to entertain any bail application.
The State, represented by prosecutor Mr Lawrence Gangarahwe, detailed the assault which occurred on November 28 at Kabanga Compound, Lowdale Farm.
Oliver Rusike had reportedly visited Mr Munyaradzi Mafunga’s home, where he found Mafunga’s wife asleep in the bedroom.
After asking for water, which she provided, Rusike asked for more, but was told none was available.
This led him to the kitchen, where he encountered Mr Mafunga.
A confrontation ensued, during which Mafunga allegedly grabbed a stick and struck Rusike repeatedly until the stick broke.
At this point, Timothy Diamond arrived and allegedly joined the assault, using a fan belt to beat Rusike multiple times.
The fan belt is yet to be recovered.
The situation intensified when a third suspect, Shereni Simbarashe, who remains at large, struck Rusike on the head with an axe handle, leaving him severely injured and semi-conscious.
Around 6 am the following morning, a witness, Ms Loveness Majeruka, found Rusike lying motionless.
She alerted her husband, who asked Diamond to check if Rusike was still alive. Diamond reportedly confirmed that Rusike had succumbed to his injuries.
