MARTIN MAWAYA
CHIRUMHANZU-What began as an ordinary night at a rural business centre ended in tragedy after a villager was brutally axed to death in a dispute suspected to have been sparked by jealousy and misunderstanding.
The Midlands provincial police spokesperson, Inspector Emmanuel Mahoko, confirmed the arrest of Rifias Mandiko of Chakawa Village, under Chief Hama in Chirumhanzu.
He was nabbed in connection with the murder of Chamunorwa Madzimure of Mahapa Village.
The grisly incident occurred late on 29 October 2025, around 11 pm, at Bhiri Business Centre.
According to police, Mandiko reportedly walked to the local tuckshop “to buy beer,” carrying an axe.
Upon arrival, he found Madzimure chatting with a female shop attendant.
He confronted the pair, questioning what they were doing together late into the night and a heated argument ensued.
“The shop attendant panicked and ran to alert the village head, Munyaradzi Zishiri,” said Insp Mahoko. “When they returned to the scene, they found Madzimure lying motionless in a pool of blood.”
The matter was reported and police officers reacted swiftly leading to the arrest of Mandiko at his home a few hours later.
Police investigations revealed the deceased had sustained two deep head wounds, believed to have been inflicted with the axe recovered at the scene.
Insp Mahoko urged members of the public to resolve disputes amicably and refrain from resorting to violence.
“We continue to urge communities to value human life and seek assistance from community leaders or law enforcement whenever conflicts arise,” said the police chief.
