MIDWEEK REPORTER
CHIMANIMANI-Villagers under Chief Mutambara woke up the sad news that a man was killed for refusing to give a colleague his US$2 share of the piece job they had performed at a local homestead.
Washington Maposa allegedly beat up Webster Chitombo to death, (they are all from Kwanaka Village under Chief Mutambara) for refusing with his US$2 share from the US$23 that were paid for installing a water tank at the accused’s mother, Annie Maposa’s homestead on Africa Day.
Manicaland Province acting police spokesperson, Assistant Inspector Wiseman Chinyoka told The Midweek Watch that the two went to a local watering hole after the deceased was paid for the job and started drinking together with two others from the neighbouring Machakagara Village.
After the closure of the bottle store at around 9pm, the pair who were stone drunk started walking home and along the way the accused demanded his US$2 share, but the deceased refused leading to fierce fighting.
Chitombo was overpowered by Maposa who went on to beat him with stones, open fists and booted feet until he passed out.
The two friends whom they were drinking beer with tried to restrain Maposa, but all was in vain as the accused became vicious, throwing stones at the peacemakers.
Maposa left the deceased unconscious and went home.
Chitombo regained consciousness and staggered home where he was rushed to Mutambara Hospital by his wife and brother after complaining of serious pain in the stomach.
He was transferred to Victoria Chitepo Hospital in Mutare where he died on May 26 at around 8pm.
The matter was reported at Cashel Police Station and the accused was arrested and investigations are underway.
“We urge working partners to resolve their monetary differences amicably and not to resort to fighting as this may lead to loss of lives. People should seek mediation whenever they fail to come to an understanding than resorting to committing crimes,” said Chinyoka.
