THREE FAMILY MEMBERS DIE IN AXE KILLER’S ORGY OF VIOLENCE AT SLEEPY VILLAGE

A MENTALLY-CHALLENGED man, who has been living in a makeshift house he built in the forest in Hurungwe, went on a murderous spree last week and killed THREE members of the same family by striking them on the head using an axe handle.

A 55-year-old man, who was blind, died in the attack and so did his four-year-old relative and his daughter-in-law.

The killing spree took place at Makoni Village in Tengwe, Hurungwe, on Monday last week and it has left the quiet community in shock.

The villagers are still struggling to come to terms with the gruesome murders, which have sent shock waves throughout Hurungwe.

National Police Spokesperson Commissioner, Paul Nyathi, confirmed the triple murder.

Comm Nyathi said the police were concerned about murder cases involving individuals with mental health problems across the country.

He said the latest incident happened in Makoni Village, Tengwe, on Monday last week.

Patrick Makuda, a mentally-challenged man, allegedly struck Constaine Mabheka, 55, several times on the head using an axe handle.

Mabheka died instantly from the vicious attack.

Comm Nyathi said Makuda also struck Kunashe Mabhena, a four-year-old, once on the head, using the same axe handle.

Mukuda then struck Atilda Mharadza, 19, several times on the head, using the same axe handle.

“All the three died on the spot,” said Comm Nyathi.

Dhazimeni Mabhera, an aide of Chief Mujinga, told H-Metro Makuda was a known mentally -challenged person.

Mabhera said Makuda had built a makeshift house in the nearby forest where he lived alone.

“We are yet to understand what really came into his mind to commit such gruesome murders.

“What really shocked us is why he targeted this family. He openly admitted that he wanted to kill the whole family,” said Mabhera.

He added:

“Makuda attacked Kunashe Mabheka, a four-year-old, and this prompted Mabheka, who is a blind man, to come outside the house to check what was happening.

“Little did Mabheka know that he was going to meet his fate,” he said.

Mabhera said Makuda struck Mabheka on the head several times using the axe handle.

He said Mabheka’s wife was not at home as she had gone away to attend a memorial service.

“However, when Mabheka’s daughter-in law, Atilda Mharadza, 29, who had gone to fetch water came back home, she was shocked to see what had happened and decided to flee for her dear life.

“Makuda then chased down Mharadza and struck her on the head several times.”

Mabhera said the villagers mobilised themselves and confronted Makuda to try and end his killing spree. However, none of them challenged Makuda, who was still armed.

He said the police were called in and they used teargas to subdue Makuda.

“This is a very tragic event which has happened in our community.

“We still don’t know his motive of killing the three people,” said Mabhera.

One of Makuda’s relatives told H-Metro:

“This is an unfortunate incident and a very sad scenario. He is our relative and to me he is a son.

“He grew up as a very disciplined son. However, things changed in 2010 when he started having mental challenges.

“He then went into the forest and built a makeshift house and lived there.

“We tried to bring him back home but he was no longer controllable.”

H-metro