Roseline Mutare
Four family members have appeared before Masvingo Magistrate Isaac Chikura on Saturday, facing charges of brutally murdering their elderly parents in a shocking case of witchcraft related violence.
Rameck Chidinhika (53), Constancia Chidinhika (28), Vimbai Chidinhika (19), and a 15-year-old juvenile, all of Village Chorupanga, Chief Nyajena, Renco, are accused of assaulting Tizirai Chidinhika (77) and Miriam Polisiri (92) with switches, logs, and a hoe.
The prosecution, led by Progress Magara, alleged that the accused confronted the victims at their homestead, accusing them of possessing goblins that brought misfortune to their family. The victims sustained deep cuts and fractures before succumbing to their injuries.
The court heard that a neighbor witnessed the assault and alerted the police, leading to the arrest of the accused. The bodies were taken to Masvingo Provincial Hospital Mortuary for post-mortem.
The four accused were remanded in custody until October 24. On Tuesday, they will return to court for confirmation of their extra-judicial statements before Magistrate Chikura.
