Tanaka Chare
A 33-year-old Chibi man was arrested for allegedly killing his brother-in-law over a phone dispute at Village Kadobo, under Chief Nhema in Shurugwi.
The Midlands Liaison Officer, Inspector Emmanuel Mahoko, said that on 5 September 2025, the suspect, Last Bazangi of Chief Madyangove, Chibi, visited his sister Patience Joka (37), who was living with her now deceased husband Peter Chigamanye (55) at Nhema, Shurugwi.
He further said that in the evening, the in-laws at around 2000hours were chatting in the kitchen hut whilst Joka had retired to bed.
“It is alleged that, on 08 September 2025, at about 2000 hours, Joka had retired to bed, leaving the two in-laws in the kitchen hut chatting.
It is said that the two in-laws, when they stayed behind in the kitchen hut, were discussing general family issues and there was no sign of altercation.
A few minutes later, Chigamanye went to his wife, Patience Joka, and informed her that Bazangi had taken his cellphone and no longer wanted to return it.
Unexpectedly, the accused entered the room armed with an approximately one-meter-long hoe handle, pushed Chigamanye, and hit him twice on the right hand and twice on the head with a hoe handle without saying anything.
The wife and Elizabeth Chando (60), who is a family member, witnessed the deceased bleeding profusely from the nose. The two ladies lifted Chigamanye and placed him outside.
The accused person tried to resuscitate the deceased by pouring water on him, but he had no signs of life.
The accused person then fled the scene According to Inspector Mahoko, Chigamanye was rushed to the hospital, where he died upon arrival.
“On the following day at around 1200 hours, Detectives from C.I.D Shurugwi received information to the effect that the accused person was at a bus stop along Zvishavane – Masvingo highway about 15 Kilometres after Mashava tollgate. “
The suspect will appear in court soon to answer to allegations of murder.
Inspector Mahoko appealed to the public to seek better solutions in solving disputes.
“ We call upon members of the public to always seek better ways of resolving disputes and respect life.”
