adminWalter Mswazie Masvingo Correspondent
AN attempt to play peacemaker in a fight between a man and his son at a funeral wake turned tragic for a Zaka man when he allegedly fatally struck the son, police confirmed yesterday.
They have launched a manhunt for Maphios Mukumba, 22, of Rwatikunda Village under Chief Bota who fled after allegedly committing the crime on Sunday.
Mukumba allegedly struck John Mudhara, 27, of the same village with a log as he tried to stop him from fighting his father, Tinarwo Chisomo, 76.
Mudhara died at his homestead on Tuesday.
Masvingo police spokesperson Inspector Charity Mazula yesterday confirmed the incident. She said Mudhara’s body was taken to Ndanga Hospital mortuary for a postmortem.
“We confirm receiving a report to that effect. The suspect fled the scene after committing the offence. Police have since launched a manhunt and he will be charged with murder once he is apprehended,” she said.
Mazula said on Sunday at around 8PM, Mudhara and Chisomo were at the former’s homestead waiting for the arrival of his brother, Tinarwo’s body, who had died in Harare when the tragedy struck.
“While waiting for the body with other mourners, Mudhara and Chisomo had a heated argument after Mudhara had questioned why the body had taken too long to arrive. The argument degenerated into a fight that attracted the attention of other mourners,” she said.
The police spokesperson said: “Chisomo is said to have been frustrated by Mudhara’s persistent inquiry over the matter and threatened to discipline his son. Mudhara then started hurling insults at his father.”
She said Mudhara pulled a log from a shed at the homestead and indiscriminately struck Chisomo all over the body until he sustained injuries.
Insp Mazula said Sarah Tevera, Chisomo’s cousin, realised that Mudhara was overpowering the older man.
She reportedly begged Mukumba to assist in restraining the two from fighting.
“Mukumba allegedly picked a log from a shed and struck Mudhara once on the head and twice on the abdomen before running away. On Tuesday at around 10AM, Mudhara’s wife, Polite Feya, 29, found him lying in one of the huts writhing in pain. Mudhara indicated that he was dying due to the injuries sustained from the assault,” she added.
Insp Mazula said Mudhara was complaining of severe abdominal pains and he died when Feya was still looking for transport to rush him to Ndanga Hospital.
Cases of murder are on an upward trend in Zaka and the High Court which was in circuit last month dealt with four murder cases from the district while others in Masvingo province each had two each or fewer.
Online Reporter