Rutendo Chirume
MASVINGO-A disabled vendor from Zimuto who earned a living by selling roasted mice has died after allegedly being brutally assaulted by two brothers over a US$1 debt.
The deceased, Taurai Deredzai (43), of Chief Zimuto in Masvingo District, succumbed to injuries sustained during the attack by Moses Mupopa (22) and his younger brother, Tadius Mupopa (20), both of Buhera under Chief Makumbe while trying to recover his money.
The circumstances are that on June 7, 2026, at around 1000hours, the two brothers approached Deredzai, who was selling roasted mice at Dure Business Centre, and bought 10 roasted mice worth US$1 on credit.
On June 9, at around 2030 hours Deredzai reportedly met the accused persons and asked payment for the debt. A misunderstanding arose between them, resulting in the two brothers allegedly turning violent.
The suspects allegedly seized the deceased’s crutches and used them to assault him all over the body. Deredzai sustained head injuries and bruises to various parts of his body.
He was initially taken to Maranda Clinic in Zimuto for treatment before being transferred to Masvingo Provincial Hospital on June 11 at around 0200hours after his condition deteriorated, unfortunately he succumbed to his injuries around 0900 hours the same day.
A police report was made, leading to the arrest of Moses Mupopa, while his brother, Tadius Mupopa, remains at large.
