The ManicaPost
Luthando Mapepa
Chipinge Correspondent
THE long arm of the law finally caught up with a Chimanimani man who fatally assaulted his father with a hoe handle five years ago before going on to stab his friend to death.
Itai Jokoja of Muchadziya Village under Chief Ngorima’s area recently appeared before Chipinge magistrate, Mrs Elizabeth Hanzi.
He is facing two counts of murder and was remanded in custody to March 3.
Prosecuting, Mr Edmore Mahlanganise said on December 21, 2017, the late Mr Lameck Jokoja who was Itai’s father left his homestead going to Botero Business Centre in Chimanimani.
Itai was home and he slaughtered one of his father’s chickens. He cooked and ate it.
“Upon arrival, Mr Jokoja discovered that his chicken had disappeared and enquired from Itai what had happened. Itai told his now late father that he had slaughtered the chicken and ate it. Mr Jokoja cautioned Itai about his behaviour.
“Itai was infuriated and hurled some insults at him. An altercation ensued between the two,” said Mr Mahlanganise.
Itai then picked a wooden hoe handle and struck his father on the chest with it.
“Mr Jokoja fell down and Itai dragged him outside the house and continued assaulting him all over the body with the wooden hoe handle. Mr Jokoja did not seek medical attention and his condition deteriorated. He died on December 25, 2017. Since then, Itai has been on the run,” said Mr Mahlanganise.
He said the post mortem carried out on the late Mr Jokoja revealed that the cause of his death was internal chest bleeding and intra-abdominal bleeding due to injuries sustained during the assault.
On the second count, Mr Mahlanganise said on February 4, Itai and Mr Luckyman Tichaona Hlabiso were drinking beer in 24 Hour Bar at Kurwaisimba Business Centre, Chimanimani.
Itai allegedly went out of the bar with his girlfriend and proceeded to her room to sleep.
The late Mr Hlabiso allegedly followed them and accused Itai of stealing his money.
This did not go well with Itai and a fight ensued.
“Itai’s girlfriend withdrew a knife from her pocket and gave it to him. Itai stabbed the late Mr Hlabiso once on the chest. Mr Hlabiso bled profusely and staggered for about 30 metres before falling into a ditch. Itai’s girlfriend fled from the scene and she is still on the run.
“Police attended the scene and it was discovered that Mr Hlabiso had died. Itai was arrested,” said Mr Mahlanganise.
