The Sunday News
Walter Mswazie in Masvingo
A 35-year-old Masvingo man fatally stabbed his stepson when he attempted to restrain him from assaulting his wife following a dispute over a bank card, police have confirmed.
Learner Tapiwa Mutyebere of Mucheke suburb stabbed Mike Mavhenyengwa (18) once on the left side of the neck using an Okapi knife leading to his death.
Masvingo police spokesperson Inspector Charity Mazula said the incident occurred on Thursday last week at about 8.45pm. She said the body of Mutyebere was taken to Masvingo General Hospital mortuary for a post-mortem.
“I can confirm receiving a report of murder which occurred in Mucheke suburb. A man is suspected to have stabbed his stepson to death on the neck with a sharp Okapi knife after he attempted to play peacemaker in a dispute involving his stepfather and his wife over the latter’s bank card. The wife was demanding her bank card that her husband had allegedly hidden. Police have arrested the suspect and is assisting with investigation.
“He will appear in court soon facing murder charges,” said Insp Mazula.
She said on the fateful day while at their home, just after supper, the wife, Ms Mavis Mkwananzi said she could not locate her bank card and accused Mutyebere of having taken it.
Police said during the dispute, Mutyebere demanded to be given a pair of clean trousers and shoes as he wanted to go out for a beer drink but Ms Mkwananzi was reluctant to hand over the clothes saying she would only do it on condition that her husband returned her bank card.
“The misunderstanding between the two degenerated into a fight and they shoved each other out of the house, leaving the children asleep inside. It is said the emotionally charged Mutyebere pinned Ms Mkwananzi’s head against a hedge on the perimeter fence of the house.
“She (Ms Mkwananzi) screamed for help attracting neighbours who came outside but failed to stop the fight,” said Insp Mazula.
The screaming, police said, also attracted Mavhenyengwa who was just arriving home. He rushed to the scene in an attempt to save his mother from further harm but Mutyebere allegedly produced an Okapi knife from his pocket and stabbed Mavhenyengwa once on the left side of the neck, leaving a deep wound.
Mavhenyengwa is said to have wobbled into the house but fell on the floor with blood oozing from the stab wound, resulting in his death.
Insp Mazula urged members of the public to value the sanctity of life through engaging counsellors or police when they have domestic disputes. @walterbmswazie3
