By Tadiwa Shunje
MASVINGO-A salary dispute between a 16-year-old domestic worker and his employer over
salary turned deadly in Zivhu Village, under Chief Shindi, Ngundu, after a 12-year-old boy was
allegedly struck on the head with a stone and died on the spot.
Masvingo provincial police spokesperson Inspector Kudakwashe Dhewa confirmed the incident,
which occurred at around 2 am on October 16, 2026, following an earlier disagreement over
outstanding wages between the juvenile suspect and his employer, 74-year-old Jemuta Zhou.
The suspect, who reportedly has an intellectual disability, was employed as a domestic worker at
Zhou’s home.
According to information provided by police, the suspect and Zhou argued over outstanding
salary at around 6 pm on October 15, which was later paid.
The two subsequently went to sleep, but the suspect allegedly woke up in the early hours of the
following morning and went to Zhou’s house, where he knocked on the door.
When Zhou did not come out, the 12-year-old boy emerged and reportedly told the suspect that
the matter would be resolved in the morning.
However, the suspect allegedly refused to wait and picked up a stone, struck the boy once on the
head. The now deceased bled profusely before he died at the scene.
The incident was reported to the police, leading to the arrest of the 16-year-old suspect, and the
body was taken to Neshuro Hospital.
Inspector Dhewa appealed to members of the public to ensure that people who require
medication receive appropriate medical attention and take their prescribed medication as
directed.
“We appeal to members of the public to ensure that people who require medication receive their
treatment as prescribed and are given the necessary support,” said Inspector Dhewa.
He also urged families and caregivers to seek professional medical assistance where necessary
and ensure that vulnerable individuals receive appropriate care.
