Online Reporter
WHAT THE HECK?
A DISPUTE over US$2 between two teen friends reportedly ended in tragedy after claiming the life of a Form One learner at Mushunje High School in Marange.
On Tuesday, friends and relatives gathered to comfort the family of the deceased 14-year-old Leonard Karimanzira of Mukosho village.
Villagers sat in silence, struggling to come to terms with the sudden and heartbreaking loss of a young life.
At Mushunje High School, learners and teachers were distraught, with hushed conversations replacing the usual bustle of school life.
Many found it difficult to comprehend how what began as an ordinary school day could end with the death of one of their own.
According to the deceased’s uncle, Pharaoh Manjeese, Leonard and the alleged assailant were inseparable friends who travelled to school together on their bicycles every day and shared almost everything.
“They were inseparable. They cycled to school together, shared lunch and even shared whatever money they had. No one ever imagined that one would die at the hands of the other,” said a distraught Manjeese.
He said the altercation began after one of the boys (name withheld) allegedly spent US$2 alone.
“We were told Leonard questioned his friend about why he had not shared the money with him. An argument ensued, prompting Leonard to allegedly slap him once. Moments later, the other boy struck him with a fist below the ear. He fell backwards onto the cement floor and never regained consciousness,” Manjeese said.
The deceased’s grandmother, Maud Manjeese, broke down as she recalled the moment she learnt of her grandson’s death.
“My daughter called saying Leonard had been beaten at school and was unconscious. As I was making my way to the clinic, she phoned again to inform me that he had been declared dead. When I arrived, they showed me where his body had been placed, covered with a red blanket. I removed the blanket and touched him; his body was still warm. I honestly believed he had fainted and would wake up,” she said.
By last week, the family was waiting for the return of the body from Harare, where an autopsy had been scheduled, after which burial arrangements will be finalised.
Despite their pain, the grieving relatives do not have any ill feelings towards the accused’s family, describing the incident as a devastating accident that has traumatised both families.
Margaret Manjeese said the families remain close neighbours.
“We are heartbroken, but we also know no child wakes up intending to kill another. Leonard was a quiet and respectful boy who never liked fighting.
‘‘The death has left both families traumatised. We believe it was a tragic accident and hope peace will continue to prevail in our community,” she said.
Traditional leaders have since intervened.
Pharaoh Manjeese said Chief Marange had facilitated discussions between the two families.
The accused’s family accepted responsibility and undertook to comply with the chief’s directives before burial, while criminal proceedings continue before the courts.
“They were ordered to compensate us with seven cattle, three to the chief and one to be slaughtered during the funeral. Chief Marange said this should be done before burial or else the body will not be buried,” he said.
The tragedy has since spilled into the courts, where the juvenile appeared before Mutare provincial magistrate Poterai Gwezhira on a murder charge.
The court heard that the incident occurred on July 9 during normal lessons at Mushunje High School.
Prosecutor Tavonga Mawire said both boys were attending lessons in the same class when a misunderstanding arose.
“There were 42 learners in the classroom when a misunderstanding arose between the two. The exchange quickly escalated into insults,” said Mawire.
He added that the deceased stood up and slapped the accused once, who then retaliated by punching him in the face.
Leonard lost balance, struck a classroom desk and collapsed onto the floor.
Teachers and fellow learners rushed to assist before he was taken to Mushunje Clinic, where he was pronounced dead on arrival.
The accused juvenile was released into the custody of his father, who was ordered to ensure he attends court. — Manicaland Bureau
***************
Gwanda man jailed 17 years for raping stepdaughter
A 54-year-old Gwanda man has been jailed for 17 years after raping his intellectually challenged stepdaughter aged 16
The assailant, from Nhwali village, who cannot be named for ethical reasons, pleaded not guilty but was convicted by Gwanda regional magistrate Sithembiso Ndebele.
Prosecutor Ngonidzashe Shumba told the court that the accused raped the complainant after she had been left in his custody.
The offence only came to light when the complainant’s younger brother caught him in the act and alerted a neighbour.
“On May 9, the complainant, who is intellectually challenged, and her younger brother were left under the care of their stepfather while their mother travelled to visit a sick relative in a neighbouring district. The complainant’s brother later went out to play soccer with friends, leaving her in the kitchen with the accused,” Shumba said.
The accused closed the kitchen hut and raped the girl.
The complainant’s brother returned home earlier than expected and heard noises coming from the hut.
When he opened the door, he saw the accused having sexual intercourse with his sister.
“The boy rushed to a neighbour’s homestead and narrated what he had seen. The neighbour came to investigate and found the complainant sitting alone in the kitchen hut, crying. The accused was later found in his bedroom hut, where he denied the allegations. The matter was reported to the police, who carried out investigations, leading to his arrest,” Shumba added. — Bulawayo Bureau
***************
Tragedy as 44-year-old man is found dead at workplace
In a case of suspected suicide, a 44-year-old man from Mzilikazi was found hanging in a shade at his workplace in Bulawayo.
Bulawayo police spokesperson Inspector Nomalanga Msebele said police received a report regarding the death of Lovemore Phiri on July 10.
Insp Msebele said the previous evening, around 9pm, Phiri had been warming himself by a fire with his co-workers while listening to a soccer commentary on radio.
“After the soccer match ended around 11.50pm, the four co-workers parted ways to go to their respective sleeping places, while the now-deceased indicated that he was going home,” said Insp Msebele.
However, events took a tragic turn the following morning.
“Around 6.45am, one of his co-workers reported for duty as usual, collected four mattresses and delivered them to customers in Bulawayo’s central business district using a pushcart,” she said.
After completing the deliveries, the co-worker returned to the workplace around 8.35am.
“Upon his return, he found other co-workers and members of the public gathered at the shade. He then discovered that the now-deceased had hanged himself from a roof truss using a rope. He was showing no signs of life, and the matter was reported to the police,” Insp Msebele added.
Police attended the scene and investigations into circumstances surrounding the death are underway.
Members of the public were advised to seek help whenever they feel overwhelmed by personal challenges.
“We urge members of the public to always speak to their families, community leaders, counsellors or close friends whenever they feel overwhelmed by life’s challenges, instead of suffering in silence,” she said.
She further encouraged communities to look out for one another and support those who may be going through difficult times. — Bulawayo Bureau
