Nyanga man hits Maiguru with an axe over land dispute

A bitter land dispute in Nyanga turned violent when a 65-year-old man allegedly struck his brother’s wife on the forehead with an axe in broad daylight, leaving her seriously injured.

The incident occurred on October 21 in Village 12B, Nyanhundu, under Chief Mutasa, as tensions over farmland ownership spiraled out of control.

The accused, Justice Dzokesai Nyakunhuwa, is said to have stormed the field where the complainant, Fungai Madongo (56), was supervising her workers.

He reportedly shouted at the workers, demanding they stop all development on the contested land.

When Madongo approached to intervene, the confrontation escalated.

Prosecutor Mr Cuthbert Bosha told the court that Nyakunhuwa acted violently and struck Madongo with an axe.

“The accused person was shouting at the complainant’s employees, thereby drawing the complainant’s attention, and she also went to the scene.

“The accused person was holding an axe, and he tried to assault the complainant with it, and he struck her once upon her forehead, and she sustained a deep cut.

“The complainant was medically examined, treated, and discharged,” Bosha said.

Nyakunhuwa appeared before Nyanga magistrate Mrs Sekai Chiwundura facing attempted murder charges.

Bosha opposed bail, citing the seriousness of the offense and the risk posed to the complainant.

Madongo was not legally represented during the proceedings.

Authorities have since urged villagers to resolve land disputes through lawful and peaceful means to prevent further violence.

Nyakunhuwa was remanded in custody and is expected to return to court on November 4 as investigations continue.

– ManicaPost