Masvingo Correspondent

EIGHTEEN villagers from Chiredzi last week assaulted a fellow villager to death for allegedly offering food to a suspected rustler.

Masvingo acting provincial police spokesperson, Assistant Inspector Charity Mazula, confirmed the incident that happened on 30 May and identified the deceased as Lovemore Matsilele (26) of Musinati Village under chief Sengwe in Chiredzi.

The accused include, two juveniles aged 16 and 17, Mukachana Chauke (40),  Thembani Jinga (28), Moses Magigwana (25), John Muvango (25), Edward Mugobha (22), Vitalis Chauke (18), Darlington Nyoni (26), Hlengani (26), Markson Mangovele (26), Elliot Chauke (39), Bornwell Bizirandi (29), Lookwell Chambuta (20) all of Njinga Village under Chief Sengwe, Patrick Muchevere (23), James Pepukai (72) and Latelani Kuzomuka (36) of Machindu village, Chief Sengwe.

Asst Insp Mazula said on 29 May Passmore Hlambela (30) of Njinga Village visited Matsilele at his homestead where upon arrival Matsilele told his wife Ms Sibongile Huni (19) to prepare food for the visitor, to which she objected.

She allegedly denied giving the man food arguing that she knew him as a criminal who was wanted by the police in connection with stock theft and attempted murder charges.

A misunderstanding arose between the two with Ms Huni arguing that she could not feed a wanted person let alone accommodate a criminal.

She then got into her room, packed her bags and went to her parents’ home in Njinga village.

Hlambela ran away and Matsilele followed his wife where upon reaching her home, he realised that his wife had told people in her village that he had harboured a well-known cattle rustler.

After hearing what had happened Ms Huni’s relative, Mukachana, of the same village allegedly teamed up with seven villagers and followed Mastilele.

They found him on his way back to his homestead and accused him of being also a cattle rustler because he had the courage of giving a criminal refuge.

Mukachana beat him all over the body using sticks. After the assailant realised that his victim was in serious pain he left him to the other 17 who also assaulted him before force-marching him towards his home.

On the following day, Matsilele died from the wounds he sustained during the assault. A report was made to the police leading to the accused people’s arrest.

“All the 18 accused are in policy custody and will appear in court soon facing charges of murder,’’ said Asst Insp Mazula.

The man’s body was taken to Chiredzi District Hospital mortuary for postmortem.