Bright Zhou
Tragedy struck in Chivi when a mentally challenged man from Chidhume village, under Chief Chivi, fatally axed two juveniles.
Masvingo Provincial Police spokesperson Kudakwashe Dhewa confirmed the incident and urged members of the public living with mentally challenged individuals to ensure they receive proper treatment. He emphasized the importance of monitoring them to ensure they adhere to their medication.
“We received a report of a mentally challenged man killing two juveniles using an axe. We urge members of the public who live with mentally challenged individuals to ensure they adhere to their medication,” said Dhewa.
On February 13, 2024, Moses Hungwe (37), who is mentally challenged, was at home with his brother Terrence Shiri (32).
Hungwe ventured to the graveyard about twenty meters away from the homestead and began throwing stones at the graves. Shiri intervened, attempting to restrain him by tying him with a rope. This action provoked Hungwe, who seized an axe from the kitchen hut and pursued Shiri.
Shiri sought refuge at Amos Chimbetete’s (76) homestead, about a kilometer away. There, he encountered three juveniles, whom he led to a nearby maize field for safety before fleeing to a nearby mountain.
Hungwe pursued him to the maize field, where he found the three juveniles. He fatally struck an 8-year-old male juvenile on the cheek, causing immediate death, and then fatally struck a 5-year-old male juvenile on the head.
Subsequently, he attacked another juvenile, striking him on the cheek. Upon Chimbetete’s return home, he heard the children’s cries and rushed to the field, where he discovered the juveniles lying on the ground. Hungwe, armed with an axe, charged at him and struck him on the head.
Hearing Chimbetete’s cries for help, another villager, Amos Muzondo (52), rushed to the scene and managed to disarm Hungwe. Hungwe then returned to his homestead and set two huts ablaze.
The matter was reported to Chivi police station by Trust Svuruto (38). The police attended the scene and arrested Hungwe. The victims were taken to Chivi District Hospital, while the bodies of the deceased were transported to the mortuary pending post-mortem examinations.
