The Sunday News
Walter Mswazie in Masvingo
POLICE in Masvingo have launched a manhunt for two Chiredzi brothers who allegedly fatally assaulted their brother in-law during a row over trespassing.
Levison and Enock Hlongwane of Chigalo Village under Chief Sengwe allegedly assaulted Clever Shimbini (33) of the same village to death with open hands and booted feet. He died a day later when his condition deteriorated and his family buried him without reporting to the police. Acting Masvingo police spokesperson Assistant Inspector Kudakwashe Dehwa confirmed the incident.
“I can confirm receiving a report of murder involving two brothers and a brother-in-law in Chiredzi. The deceased was fatally assaulted by his brothers in-law who then disappeared from the scene. The family of the deceased then buried the body without notifying the police,” said Asst Insp Dehwa.
Asst Insp Dehwa said the family cited long distance to the nearest police station, Chikombedzi as the reason behind not reporting the incident. He said on the day in question at around 7pm, the supposedly drunk Shimbini was at his homestead when he saw, Hlongwane brothers, passing by. He said, Shimbini allegedly confronted the two brothers, asking them why they were trespassing his homestead at night.
Shimbini, Asst Insp Dehwa said, allegedly slapped each of the two men with open hands on the face, accusing them of trespassing. He said before they could respond, he again slapped the two on the face.
The Hlongwane brothers responded by assaulting Shimbini with open hands and booted feet all over the body until they were restrained by his first wife, Ms Nolia Hlongwane (32) the sister to the two brothers. The two brothers then left the scene and went home leaving Shimbini on the ground vomiting and complaining of stomach pains.
Ms Hlongawane together with Shimbini’s second wife, Ms Silence Baloyi (32) then took their husband into the house. On Wednesday at around 9am, Shimbini’s condition deteriorated and a neighbour, Mr Mkanani Chavani (51) used his scotch cart to take him to Rutandare Clinic. Shimbini, however, died before arrival and they made and u-turn. Police said, family members then decided to bury the body without reporting the matter to the police.
Acting on a tip-off, a neighbourhood watch committee member reported the matter to Chikombedzi Police.
Police went to the homestead and confirmed the burial but failed to locate the Hlongwane brothers.@walterbmswazie2
