By Meditation Mposi
In a gruesome act of violence, two Chiredzi brothers that had just been deported from South Africa killed an 82-year-old man after a row involving a piece of land.
Masvingo Provincial Police Spokesperson Inspector Kudakwashe Dhewa confirmed the murder of Clemence Masaka Gwaure of Village 10, Samba Ranch, Chief Neromwe in Chiredzi to TellZim News, urging members of the public to resolve their conflicts without use of violence.
“I confirm the murder of Gwaure of Village 10 Samba Ranch, Chief Neromwe who was killed by two brothers Courage (34) and Caronelfeld Mashiri (27) of Plot 7, Samba Ranch.
“I urge members of the public to solve their disputes without use of violence. In case of a dispute, I advise that people seek third parties such as elders of the community, pastors among others to help them solve their disputes,” Dhewa told TellZim News.
Courage and Caronelfeld’s father Christian Mashiri owns Plot 7 in Samba Ranch Triangle which is about 50 hectares. He acquired the plot in 2000 during the Land Reform Programme.
Other sources told TellZim News that Gwaure, who had occupied the land across a canal at the same time was not using all of his plot, so people from the surrounding community then started using part of his plot for gardening, including the Mashiris.
Over time, Gwaure then allegedly ordered those using his land to remove their gardens since he wanted to use the land, which they refused to do.
On February 8, 2025 at around 1700hours Courage and Caronelfeld who had recently been deported from South Africa in November 2024 and January 2025 respectively, went to Gwaure’s homestead to settle the dispute between him and their father over the said piece of land.
A misunderstanding arose and the two grabbed Gwaure, kicked him all over his body and he fell to the ground, while the deceased’s wife pleaded with them to stop.
They continued assaulting him, dragging him along Samba Favasham Road, and at the same time Gwaure’s wife went and informed one Lovemore Mutumhe and other villagers of what was happening.
Unfortunately upon their arrival at the scene, they found Gwaure’s body lying on the ground as he was already dead and the brothers had vanished from the scene.
The following morning, members of the community managed to trick the brothers into believing that Gwaure was still alive, hence they could peacefully resolve the matter, and they came to a community gathering where they were apprehended and handed to the police.
When police arrived, Gwaure’s body had already been taken to his homestead and they noted that the body had bruises on the back, chest, face and on the hands.
The brothers were then arrested by police, and three pieces of sticks, two pieces of a brown leather belt, a torn black t-shirt were recovered from the scene.
The deceased’s body was later taken to Chiredzi General Hospital for postmortem.
