Online Reporter
Tendai Gukutikwa
Mutare Bureau
A BUHERA family has been left shattered after a 46-year-old man allegedly murdered his younger brother with an axe following a dispute that reportedly started during a beer-drinking spree.
Acting Manicaland police spokesperson, Assistant Inspector Wiseman Chinyoka, confirmed the incident and said the suspect, Blessing Musapukira (46) has since been arrested, with investigations ongoing.
“The Zimbabwe Republic Police confirms a case of murder which occurred in Buhera where Musapukira allegedly struck his brother, Denford Musapukira (44) several times with an axe following a misunderstanding,” he said.
Assistant Inspector Chinyoka said the tragic incident occurred in the early hours of April 9, 2026, at Chaputika Village under Chief Nyashanu.
“On the day in question at around 0200 hours, the accused and the deceased, who are brothers and lived at the same homestead, returned home from Bhegedhe Shops in Muzokomba where they had been drinking beer,” he said.
He added that tensions between the two had reportedly started earlier.
“It is alleged that the accused and the deceased had a misunderstanding the previous day while drinking beer over undisclosed issues, which later escalated upon their return home,” said Assistant Inspector Chinyoka.
The situation reportedly turned violent when Blessing armed himself with an axe.
“He allegedly took an axe and struck his brother four times on the head, twice on the left arm and once on the right hand,” he said.
Following the attack, Blessing is said to have contacted a relative and confessed to the crime.
“After committing the offence, the accused person called the informant, Nhamo Zvavanyenyu using his cellphone and informed him of what he had done. The matter was subsequently reported to Mutiusinazita Police Base,” said Assistant Inspector Chinyoka. Police officers from Zimbabwe Republic Police Muzokomba attended the scene and arrested the suspect, who is now in custody.
The body of the deceased was transported to Birchnough Bridge Hospital where it is awaiting a post-mortem examination.
Assistant Inspector Chinyoka expressed concern over rising cases of violence linked to alcohol consumption and unresolved disputes.
“We continue to urge members of the public to desist from resorting to violence when faced with disputes. Issues should be resolved amicably or with the assistance of community leaders,” he said.
He warned that the use of weapons in domestic or social disputes often leads to tragic and irreversible consequences, destroying families and communities in the process. He said violence, especially when fuelled by anger or intoxication, escalates situations that could otherwise be resolved peacefully.
“People must understand that taking the law into their own hands, particularly under the influence of alcohol, can result in loss of life and serious criminal charges,” he said, adding that individuals should always seek lawful and non-violent ways to address conflicts before they spiral out of control.
Assistant Inspector Chinyoka further urged communities to seek peaceful means of conflict resolution and to report threats of violence before situations escalate.
“This incident is a painful reminder of how quickly misunderstandings can turn fatal. We encourage families and communities to promote dialogue and tolerance to prevent such tragedies,” he said.
Assistant Inspector Chinyoka said Blessing remains in custody as investigations continue.
Mathew Masinge