Redcliff man axed to death in grocery dispute

REDCLIFF-A 49-year-old Redcliff man was axed to death on Monday night after a dispute with an ox-drawn scotch cart transporter over missing groceries turned deadly at Wentworth Farm.

Midlands Province police spokesperson Inspector Emmanuel Mahoko.

The deceased has been identified as Elias Kavhumbura Chimusito, a resident of Rutendo suburb in Redcliff.

Midlands provincial police spokesperson Inspector Emmanuel Mahoko confirmed the incident and the arrest of a suspect in connection with the murder.

Mahoko said Chimusito had hired the suspect’s ox-drawn scotch cart to transport groceries from Rutendo suburb to Wentworth Farm on April 6 at around 8:30pm.

“Upon arrival at the destination, the now deceased realized that some grocery items were missing and refused to pay for the transport service, resulting in a misunderstanding between the two,” Mahoko said.

The dispute allegedly escalated when the suspect, identified as Collen Ishmael (27) of Penwarden Farm in Redcliff, armed himself with an axe from the scotch cart and struck Chimusito on the head and left shin.

“The now deceased died on the spot,” Mahoko said, adding that the body was taken to Kwekwe General Hospital mortuary for a post-mortem, while Ishmael remains in police custody assisting police with investigations.

He is expected to appear in court facing a murder charge once investigations are complete.

Mahoko urged members of the public to resolve disputes amicably to avoid loss of life.

“In this case we have once again lost a life in circumstances where dialogue should have been the best route in finding a solution,” Mahoko said.

“We implore members of the public to engage elders and counsellors whenever they have differences rather than resorting to violence.”

_Midweek Watch_