Man kills father in cellphone row

Sukoluhle Ndlovu, Midlands Correspondent
A 48-YEAR-OLD man from Rukweza Village in Mvuma fatally struck his father with a metal bucket for restraining him as he was fighting his younger brother following a misunderstanding.

Acting Midlands Police Spokesperson Assistant Inspector Ethel Mukwende confirmed the incident which occurred last week.

She said Paul Musariri (Jnr) has since been arrested in connection with the killing of his father Paul Musariri (Snr) (79).

“Police in Midlands Province are investigating a case of murder where a 48-year-old man struck his father several times with a metal bucket resulting in his death. The man was arrested and is assisting police with investigations,” said Asst Insp Mukwende.

She said on the day in question, Paul Jnr was at home together with his father, mother and younger brother Peter Musariri.

“A misunderstanding arose after Paul (Jnr) shouted at his mother who was having difficulties in communicating with someone she was talking to over a cellphone.

“He said that his siblings had bought a sub-standard cellphone for their mother which was the reason why she could not communicate on the phone. The statement by Paul (Jnr) did not go down well Peter who confronted him and they fought,” Asst Insp Mukwende said.

Their father intervened to stop the fight and the suspect allegedly picked up a metal bucket and struck his father several times on the head.

Asst Insp Mukwende said Paul (Snr) became unconscious and was rushed to Muvonde Hospital.

“He was taken to Muvonde where his condition deteriorated and he died.

“His body was taken to United Bulawayo Hospitals for a postmortem,” she said.

Asst Insp Mukwende appealed to members of the public to solve their disputes amicably by involving third parties when they fail to reconcile.

“We are appealing to members of the public to solve their disputes or differences amicably and where they fail to agree they should engage third parties.

Use of violence constitutes an offence and leads to unnecessary loss of lives,” she said.