Abel Zhakata
Senior Reporter
A ZIMUNYA man who pulled his uncle’s genitals during a fight resulting in his death will spend the next 15 years in jail after he was convicted of murder with actual intent by a Mutare High Court judge.
Justice Isaac Muzenda had no kind words for Cudwell Ndega of Nyakunu Village under Chief Zimunya, whom he said showed no respect by grabbing his aged uncle, Eliazere Mukanangana’s privates resulting in his instant death.
Principal public prosecutor, Ms Jane-Rose Matsikidze, said Mukanangana and Ndega were drinking traditional beer together on August 16 last year when they had a misunderstanding which degenerated into a fight.
“The two were related as nephew and uncle respectively. Ndega used to accuse Mukanangana of promiscuity, and on the day in question they spent the greater part of that fateful day drinking traditional beer at Luckson Gavi’s homestead. While they were merrymaking, the issue of Mukanangana’s adultery sparked an argument between the two,” said Ms Matsikidze.
As they continued arguing, they went behind a building, and a fight broke out.
During the fight, Mukanangana was overpowered, and fell down.
Ndega grabbed Mukanangana’s privates and pulled them.
Mukanangana started vomiting, and Ndega fled from the scene.
Villagers tried to render first aid on Mukanangana, but it was too late as he died instantly.
Ndega was later apprehended, and brought back to Gavi’s homestead.
A post mortem done by a Dr Mayado at Parirenyatwa Group of Hospitals in Harare on August 24, 2020 showed that Mukanangana died as a result of inhibition which is secondary to testicular trauma.
A villager, Ms Shamiso Hatinahama, who witnessed the fight, said she saw Ndega and Mukanangana scuffling behind a building.
She said she went to take a bath is a semi-completed house, but while she was there, she heard Ndega threatening to kill Mukanangana.
She said peeped through a window, and saw Ndega pinning Mukanangana against the wall, and rushed out of the room where she was bathing shouting for help.
She said when she arrived where Ndega and Mukanangana were scuffling, she found the deceased vomiting, while the zip of his pair of trousers was open.
Although Ndega denied ever pulling Mukanangana’s privates, saying they only fought as a result of the misunderstanding, he was found guilty after the State led overwhelming evidence from witnesses, while the post mortem results buttressed the case leading to a conviction.