Walter Nyamukondiwa
Mashonaland West Bureau Chief
POLICE are hunting a Tengwe man accused of setting fire to an elderly woman’s kitchen hut before attacking her twice with a sharp object as she fled with her six-year-old grandson.
The 80-year-old, Estery Magazi of Sungwi Village under Chief Mujinga, sustained serious injuries in the attack, which occurred around 1 am on October 19.
Mashonaland West provincial police spokesperson, Inspector Ian Kohwera, said the suspect, Bensend Pemba, allegedly struck Magazi on the back of her head after she escaped from the burning hut with her grandson.
The suspect allegedly pursued her as she ran towards a neighbour’s home, catching up with her before striking her again on the head.
“The complainant’s neighbour then arrived, and the suspect fled from the scene,” said Insp Kohwera.
Magazi sustained injuries and was initially taken to Tengwe Clinic before being referred to Karoi District Hospital in a serious condition.
The fire also destroyed property worth about US$700.
Police have appealed to members of the public with information on Pemba’s whereabouts to report to their nearest police station.
Insp Kohwera urged people to resolve disputes peacefully rather than resorting to violence, encouraging those facing challenges to seek the intervention of elders, church leaders, professional counsellors or the police.
Anyone with information that could assist in locating the suspect is urged to contact the police.
