The ManicaPost
Liberty Dube
Post Correspondent
A 45-YEAR-OLD man recently went berserk and allegedly struck five people, including a one-week-old infant, with a machete and a log after he had failed to reach an agreement on how to share the proceeds from a timber cutting and processing deal he had entered with one of the victims.
The five – Mr Muzioni Muyambo (26), Ms Babra Chikwari (22), Mr Nyasha Gwenzi (23) and two minors – are battling for life at Chimanimani and Mutambara hospitals after sustaining severe injuries in the incident.
The accused, Robson Shoko was arrested and is under police guard at Chimanimani District Hospital after he also sustained some injuries during the scuffle.
Manicaland provincial police spokesperson, Inspector Norbert Muzondo confirmed the incident which happened in Chanyamwaka Village in Chief Muusha’s area.
“Sometime in December, Shoko and Mr Muyambo entered into a verbal agreement that the former would cut, process and sell pine timber which was on the latter’s farm. They would share the proceeds. They agreed that Shoko would take 30 percent, while Mr Muyambo would take 70 percent.
“The timber was processed and sold. A dispute, however, arose as the proceeds were being sold as the accused demanded an equal share. Mr Muyambo complied and gave him the equal share to avoid further arguments. However, the following day, Shoko went to nearby shops and bought a new machete and flick knife. He visited Mr Muyambo’s homestead,” he said.
Inspector Muzondo said Shoko asked Ms Chikwari about Mr Muyambo’s whereabouts and she professed ignorance.
“Mr Muyambo sensed danger and locked Mr Gwenzi and the two minors inside the house. Ms Chikwari later told Shoko that Mr Muyambo was in the bathroom and he demanded to see him. He forced his way into the house and started harassing everyone. Mr Muyambo went into the house where Shoko was and he was struck with a machete.
“He attacked the other complainants with a log after his machete had fallen down. Mr Muyambo’s uncle who had heard some screams came and picked up the machete and struck the accused once on the right knee and hand. Shoko was disarmed, but sustained a deep cut. The complainants sustained severe injuries and were rushed to Chimanimani District Hospital,” said Inspector Norbert Muzondo.
Mr Muyambo and Ms Chikwari were transferred to Mutambara Mission Hospital where they are battling for their lives.
Inspector Muzondo urged people to solve their disputes amicably and desist from resorting to violence.
