adminThupeyo Muleya Beitbridge Bureau
A 45-year-old game scout employed by Home Affairs Minister Cde Kembo Mohadi died when he shot himself after his firearm accidentally discharged. The incident happened at the Minister’s farm at Mazunga Ranch on Tuesday afternoon. Mr Arthur Mhaka’s body has since been taken to the United Bulawayo Hospitals (UBH) for a postmortem.
The officer commanding Beitbridge District, Chief Superintendent Lawrence Chinhengo said the matter was now under investigations.
He said Mr Mhaka went missing on Tuesday afternoon at about 3pm soon after indicating that he was going on a fishing expedition.
“The game scout was supposed to start work at around 6pm on the same day. Initial investigations reveal that he left his workplace for fishing at Zhovhe Dam carrying his rifle.
“Indications are that while on his way back from the dam the firearm discharged while trying to walk across a fence.
“As a result he shot himself in the neck. He tried to walk back to the farm but unfortunately he died along the way because of excessive bleeding,” he said.
Chief Sup Chinhengo said the issue came to light when he failed to report for work, prompting other game scouts to contact his wife who also works at the farm.
He said a search team was then sent to look for him during the night.
Chief Supt Chinhengo said his body was found at about 5am the following day under a tree.
“We recovered one spent cartridge and another live round. The firearm has also been taken to Harare for ballistic tests.
“At the moment we are not suspecting any foul play though investigations are in progress,” said Chief Supt Chinhengo.
Bongani Ndlovu
Online Reporter