Online Reporter
Freedom Mupanedemo, Midlands Bureau
POLICE in Midlands Province have arrested a 33-year-old man who allegedly killed his brother-in-law with a hoe handle following a dispute over a mobile phone.
Midlands’ provincial police spokesperson, Inspector Emmanuel Mahoko, confirmed the incident, which occurred on Monday at Kobodo Village under Chief Nhema in Shurugwi District.
He said the suspect, Last Bazangi of Chief Madyangove area, had visited his sister, Patience Joka (37), who lived with her husband, Peter Chigamanye (55).
“On 5 September, Bazangi visited his sister at Village Kobodo. Three days later, around 8PM, Joka retired to bed, leaving her husband and the suspect chatting in the kitchen hut,” said Inspector Mahoko.
A few minutes later, Chigamanye went to the dining room and informed his wife that the accused had taken his mobile phone and was refusing to return it.
“Bazangi then stormed into the room armed with a hoe handle. Without uttering a word, he pushed his brother-in-law and struck him twice on the right hand and twice on the head,” Inspector Mahoko said.
Chigamanye collapsed and began bleeding from the nose. Joka and a relative, Elizabeth Chando, rushed to assist him, while the suspect briefly attempted to resuscitate him by pouring water over him before fleeing the scene.
Chigamanye was taken to Impali Private Surgery and later referred to Shurugwi District Hospital, where he was pronounced dead on arrival.
Police investigations led to Bazangi’s arrest on Tuesday at a bus stop along the Zvishavane-Masvingo highway, approximately 15 kilometres past the Mashava tollgate. A hoe handle believed to have been used in the attack was recovered.
“The body was inspected and found to have a swollen right hand, a swollen left cheek, head injuries, and bleeding from the nose. It is currently at Shurugwi District Hospital mortuary awaiting post-mortem,” said Inspector Mahoko.
