MARTIN MAWAYA
Police in Midlands have arrested a 33-year-old man from Chivi for allegedly murdering his brother-in-law following a dispute over a cellphone at Village Kodobo, under Chief Nhema in Shurugwi.
The Midlands police spokesperson Inspector Emmanuel Mahoko confirmed the incident, saying the suspect, Last Bazangi, allegedly struck Peter Chigamanye (55) with a hoe handle several times on September 8, leading to his death.
According to police, Bazangi had visited his sister, Patience Joka (37), who lived with her husband Chigamanye in Shurugwi.
On the fateful night, Joka retired to bed, leaving the two men chatting in the kitchen.
“Moments later, the now deceased complained to his wife that the suspect had taken his cellphone and refused to return it. Bazangi then stormed into the bedroom armed with a hoe handle and assaulted Chigamanye on the head and hand,” Mahoko said.
Chigamanye collapsed and was rushed to Shurugwi District Hospital, where he was pronounced dead on admission.
Police said the suspect fled the scene but was arrested the following day at a bus stop along the Zvishavane–Masvingo road.
A hoe handle believed to have been used in the assault was recovered and held as an exhibit.
Bazangi is expected to appear in court soon facing murder charges.
Inspector Mahoko urged members of the public to seek peaceful means of resolving disputes.
“We continue to call upon citizens to respect the sanctity of life and find better ways of handling conflicts,” he said.
