The ManicaPost
Luthando Mapepa,Chipinge Correspondent
A SOMBRE atmosphere engulfed Gijima Farm as hundreds of mourners thronged the Rusape property on Monday to pay their last respects to Kuda Msindo — who was murdered by a security guard in an unprovoked attack in Chipinge.
Kuda was the oldest son to businessman Mr Lovemore Gijima Msindo. He was murdered by a security guard who had broken into his room at Caravan Park.
It is suspected that the security guard kicked him in the throat with a safety shoe, rupturing his oesophagus in the process.
He was pronounced dead on arrival at Chipinge General Hospital. Kuda was complaining of breathing complications on his way to hospital. His body was interred at Gijima Farm on Monday, with hundreds of mourners in attendance.
Manicaland police spokesperson Inspector Tavhiringwa Kakohwa confirmed the murder and arrest of the assailant.
“We have since arrested the security guard and he is assisting us with investigations. We do not condone violence and we will not hesitate to arrest such perpetrators,” he said.
One of Kuda’s friends, who requested anonymity, said on the fateful day, the deceased had travelled from Rusape to Chipinge to meet his girlfriend, who had returned from the United Kingdom.
“Kuda and his girlfriend spent the better part of Saturday at Caravan Park drinking beer and braaiing with their friends. Later in the evening the two retired to bed at chalets located at the pub.
“ Around 12 midnight, a security guard at the pub forced his way into the room where the two were sleeping intending to steal valuables belonging to the two.
“While trying to enter the room, the security guard failed to execute his plan well and Kuda spotted and confronted him. A scuffle ensued resulting in the guard kicking Kuda who had fallen down. The guard escaped through the window, and Kuda pursued him.
“He later returned to the room and called the owner of the place, who then summoned her security guards.
“Kuda positively identified the security guard. He died from the assault injuries and a police report was made leading to the arrest of the accused, as he tried to escape,” said the friend.
The suspect allegedly blamed his behaviour on “evil spirits”. Mr Msindo described his son’s murder as the worst tragedy to hit his family.
“I have been hit below the belt. I can’t believe he is gone — just like that.
“This is the most difficult moment for the family. I am still trying to come to terms with the tragedy, it is difficult to accept. Surely, this will take years to heal,” said Mr Msindo.
One of Kuda’s friends, Cleopas Mugomba, said: “I learnt with shock the death of Kuda Msindo, a longtime friend I lived with, in the same house in the UK for three years in the early 2000s. He was a cheerful person and extremely hardworking.
“He loved Zimbabwe and vowed that one day he would return to Zimbabwe to take up farming.
“He indeed came back and was involved in farming at his father’s farm just outside Rusape.
“Kuda was a good friend, always willing to help others financially, with farming equipment and with advice.
“He persevered despite the economic challenges that afflicted the farming sector. We are poorer without him.
“His father, Mr Msindo, is a well-known businessman who once owned Fire Batteries Football Club. He counted on Kuda to carry on the family farming and business legacy.
“ Kuda will be greatly missed. We extend our deepest sympathy to the Msindo family. We urge them to hold on to the fond memories of their beloved son.”
