Perpetua Murungweni
A 42 year-old man from Bikita who suspected of raping a minor was on April 1, 2023 beaten to death by three men who claimed to be the minor’s brothers.
It is reported that the trio (names withheld) went to the now deceased’s home armed with machetes and switches at night around 10 pm, found him asleep before breaking into the house and started beating him.
The now deceased tried to escape by running towards the neighboring houses but was caught before he made it to the houses.
The trio dragged him 60 meters away from the neighboring houses and continued beating him until he was unconscious.
Upon realizing that someone was watching them, they ran away leaving the accused lying unconscious.
The person who was watching the act then ran and informed people gathered at a nearby business center who swiftly reacted only to find the accused already dead and reported the matter to police.
ZRP Masvingo Provincial Spokesperson Inspector Kudakwakwe Dhewa confirmed the incident and said the body was taken to hospital for post-mortem and the report led to the arrest of two of the three accused.
“The police attended the scene and the body was taken to Silveira Mission hospital for post-mortem. Two of the accused were arrested and the investigations are underway.
“As police, we urge members of the public to report crimes to the police rather than using violence to solve disputes, crimes and misunderstandings,” said Dhewa.
The police are also appealing to the public to help them with information that can lead to the arrest of the third suspect.
“We are appealing to the public to help with investigations but giving information to the police that can lead to the arrest of the other suspect who escaped when the others were caught,” added Dhewa.
