Rutendo Chirume
MWENEZI-A 47-year-old man died on October 26, after allegedly being assaulted for intervening in a fight at Chizenge shops in Chief Mazetese, Mwenezi with the suspect reportedly fleeing to South Africa.
The deceased, Wiriranai Makarigana, was allegedly attacked by Justice Chauke at around 8pm on October 24, after attempting to stop him from assaulting another man, Tateda Jerera.
Masvingo Provincial Police Spokesperson Inspector Kudakwashe Dhewa confirmed the incident and said investigations are in progress.
Sibusisiwe Toma, 23, of Taura Farm, Makarigana, who is also the deceased’s wife, told ZRP that his husband had spent the afternoon of October 24 watching a social soccer match with his 31-year-old nephew, Chineka Moyo, at Chedhoro grounds before proceeding to Chizenge shops to have beer.
The situation reportedly turned violent when Chauke began assaulting Jerera, prompting Makarigana to intervene in an attempt to stop the attack.
Chauke allegedly turned on Makarigana, took a sjambok, from his bag and began assaulting him.
Makarigana reportedly fell to the ground, where Chauke allegedly kicked him repeatedly across the body, including in the groin until bystanders intervened.
At around 10pm on October 24, Makarigana on his way home sought shelter at the Chifana homestead, where he was given a place to sleep.
The following morning, October 25, he walked home but found no one there. His wife later found him in severe pain on the abdomen and the groin, also struggling to relieve himself.
He reportedly refused to seek medical attention that day despite his deteriorating condition.
A police report was eventually made on October 26, when officers attended the scene. The suspect was reportedly nowhere to be found, with information indicating that he had fled to South Africa.
Makarigana was taken to Mwenezi Clinic, where he died upon admission on October 26.
His body was subsequently transferred to Neshuro Hospital pending a post-mortem.
Police investigations into the incident are ongoing, while Chauke remains at large.
