Suspected thief murdered

 

Fidelis Chavarike
Post Reporter

A SUSPECTED thief was brutally murdered by fellow villagers in Chipinge, following suspicions that he was stealing property in the village, and selling it in Mozambique, where he stayed.

Acting Manicaland provincial police spokesperson, Assistant Inspector Wiseman Chinyoka said Simon Masango Chimudanda (33) was drinking beer with his girlfriend, Monica Chiusavi (25) at Chisiya homestead when three men, Clever Mlambo (33), William Kotomani, and Excerbia Kotomani, approached and ejected him.

“The trio accused Chimudanda of theft and unlawful entry, and during the scuffle, Alex Munea (28), who tried to intervene, was assaulted and left unconscious.

The suspects left with the now late Chimudanda, and his body was later discovered by Privilege Mutopeya (32) along a footpath in Mahachi Village,” said Assistant Inspector Chinyoka.

Chimudanda’s body was found with the face downwards, a wound on his right leg ankle, swollen face, and soiled trousers.

His shoes were found metres away from the body.

Clever Mlambo was arrested, while William and Excerbia Kotomani are still at large, and have been declared fugitives from justice.

Police are appealing to anyone with information on the whereabouts of the two fugitives to come forward, and approach their nearest police station.

Assistant Inspector Chinyoka condemned the brutal murder.

“The trio took the law into their own hands, which was unacceptable. They should not have turned violent, regardless of the allegations made against Simon,” he said.

In an unrelated story, a 40-year-old man from Chimedzi Village under Chief Mutema in Chipinge was found dead in his bedroom, with the cause of death still unknown.

Taurai Mhlanga’s body was discovered by his co-worker, Elias Kombo (43), who had visited his homestead to discuss work-related matters.

Assistant Inspector Chinyoka said Taurai was last seen alive on March 7, when he was drinking beer with his younger brother, Never Mhlanga (39) at his homestead.

“Taurai had opened up to his brother that he was stressed due to his separation with his wife, which had occurred three weeks earlier,” said Assistant Inspector Chinyoka.

Never left for his own homestead around 9pm, leaving Taurai alone.

It was on March 9, when Elias visited Taurai to check up on him when he discovered his body.

“Elias knocked on the door, but received no response. He looked through the window and saw Taurai lying on the floor. He suspected he was drunk, and left,” said Assistant Inspector Chinyoka.

Elias returned the following day, and found Taurai in the same position.

This time, he informed his brother, Never, who made a police report at ZRP Chipinge.

Upon attending the scene, police found bruises on Taurai’s head, but no other visible injuries.

His body was taken to Chipinge District Hospital for a post-mortem.