By Beverly Bizeki
A 22-year-old man from Tshovele Village, Headman Chitsa, Chief Tshovani recently died at Parirenyatwa Hospital days after he was assaulted by three men who accused him of stealing cellphones.
Masvingo Provincial Police Spokesperson Inspector Kudakwashe Dhewa confirmed 22-year-old Vengai Tshovele’s death and said the three accused persons were still on the run.
“I can confirm the death of Tshovele who died at Parirenyatwa after being beaten by three men from Chiredzi. The three suspects are still at large. Members of the public should not take the law into their hands or administer justice,” said Dhewa.
Circumstances are that on May 13, 2024, Godfrey Khurivale and Absolek Ndali both from Ndali Village together with Answer Musaingira from Keep 1 Village Headman Chitsa, Chief Tshovani teamed up and went to Tshovele’s homestead where they took him to task accusing him of stealing two cellphones.
Tshovele admitted committing the crime after which he showed the three where he had hidden the cellphones and they recovered them.
The three then took Tshovele to the owner of the cellphones’ homestead and took turns to assault him with logs on the way before dumping him on the road.
He was seen by a passerby who took him to his home and administered primary care although the matter had not been reported to the police. On May 23, Tshovele was taken to Chitsa Clinic for medical attention where he was referred to St Peter’s Hospital in Chipinge and was attended to.
Tshovele was discharged the following day and was told to come back for a review on May 27. However, on May 26 a human rights defender is said to have taken him to Parirenyatwa for further treatment where he died on May 31.
