MARTIN MAWAYA
LOWER GWERU-A night of drinking and insults turned tragic in Lower Gweru after a 41-year-old man allegedly died from injuries sustained during an assault involving a piece of glowing firewood, in a case that has once again raised concerns over violent confrontations in rural communities.
The Midlands province police spokesperson Inspector Emmanuel Mahoko confirmed the incident, which occurred at Ndabambi Village under Chief Sogwala on Saturday evening.
The deceased has been identified as Claudius Chawira of Ndabambi Village, while police have arrested Handsome Maphosa (22), a resident of the same area, in connection with the killing.
Mahoko said investigations indicate that the suspect was in the kitchen hut at his homestead in the company of his two aunts when Chawira and another man, Nkosana Mpofu (30), allegedly arrived while heavily intoxicated.
“The two men allegedly started shouting and insulting the suspect using vulgar language,” Mahoko said.
Police said the confrontation escalated after Maphosa allegedly became enraged, retrieved a piece of glowing firewood from the kitchen and chased after the pair.
“He caught up with them and assaulted them using the firewood. Chawira fell to the ground during the assault,” Mahoko said.
Despite the attack, Chawira reportedly managed to wake up and return home.
However, his condition allegedly worsened the following day and he was rushed to Mabandla Clinic where he was pronounced dead upon arrival.
The suspect remains in police custody and is expected to appear in court facing a murder charge once investigations are complete.
Mahoko urged members of the public to avoid settling disputes through violence, warning that alcohol fuelled confrontations continue to claim lives unnecessarily.
“We urge members of the public to desist from resorting to violence as a way of resolving misunderstandings,” he said.
The incident adds to a growing number of murder cases linked to alcohol abuse and domestic disputes recorded across the Midlands province in recent months.
