The ManicaPost
Lovemore Kadzura
Rusape Correspondent
A RUSAPE villager’s Christmas Day celebrations and merry making were cut short after he was fatally stabbed by a fellow villager he had accused of stealing firewood.
Police have since arrested Archibald Mushonga (44) of Bamba Village who allegedly fatally stabbed Simon Tichaona Mahachi five times resulting in him dying on the spot.
Rusape District police spokesperson, Assistant Inspector Muzondiwa Clean, confirmed the incident which happened when the duo was drinking beer at Bamba Business Centre at Inyati Mine.
“Archibald Mushonga was drinking beer with the now late Simon Mahachi when the latter accused the former of stealing firewood in Village 45. Mushonga was incensed with the allegations and confronted Mahachi. They two started pushing and shoving.
“Mushonga produced a home-made knife from his pocket and stabbed Mahachi twice on the back, twice on the right side of the neck and once on back of the head before fleeing from the scene. Mahachi died on the spot. Police managed to arrest Mushonga on the same day,” said Asst Insp Clean.
In an unrelated case, a Rusape villager is battling for his life at Victoria Chitepo Provincial Hospital after being stabbed on the stomach by a fellow villager.
Asst Insp Clean said police have since arrested Tatenda Madondo (28) for stabbing Shadreck Maunga (20).
“On December 26, around midnight, Shadreck, in the company of his brother, Tafadzwa were on their way home from Rugoyi Business Centre where they were drinking beer. They met Madondo who ordered them to switch off their cellphone light.
“An altercation ensued and Madondo produced an Okapi knife from his pocket and stabbed Shadreck twice on the stomach. His intestines protruded. On realising that Shadreck was injured, Madondo rushed to his home and took a wheelbarrow and ferried him to Rugoyi Clinic.
“Shadreck was referred to Rusape General Hospital where he was transferred to Victoria Chitepo Provincial Hospital and his condition was reported to be very serious. Madondo is now in police custody being charged with attempted murder,” he said.
Asst Insp Clean discouraged the use of force or violence in solving misunderstandings.
“People must solve issues amicably. It is an offence to move around with dangerous weapons such as knives. We will carry out stop and searches exercises and arrest those found with dangerous weapons,” said Asst Insp Clean.
