Rutendo Chirume
MASVINGO – Police have launched a manhunt for a 37-year-old Mushandike man who allegedly fatally assaulted his elder sister with a shovel following a dispute over a footpath.
Masvingo provincial police spokesperson Inspector Kudakwashe Dhewa confirmed the incident and appealed to members of the public for information that could lead to the arrest of the suspect.
“We are appealing to anyone with information regarding the whereabouts of Learnmore Mapingire to report to the nearest police station,” said Inspector Dhewa.
The deceased has been identified as Lovejoy Mapingire (43), while the suspect, Learnmore Mapingire (37), remains at large. The two are biological siblings from Village 37A, Duta, Mushandike.
Police said on July 24 at around 1pm, Lovejoy was passing through her brother’s yard on her way to collect bricks from a nearby homestead when the accused, who was holding a shovel, warned her never to use the path again.
The warning allegedly resulted in an altercation during which the accused struck his sister several times on the head and body with the shovel.
Relatives and villagers rushed to the scene and ferried the injured woman to Masvingo Provincial Hospital. However, she was pronounced dead while being taken to the hospital.
The accused allegedly fled the scene soon after the assault and is yet to be arrested.
