2 killed in brutal shebeen machete attack

Tshuma’s body lay in a twisted heap in the corridor with numerous deep gashes.

The ground outside looked like a scene from an epic battle with dried blood and skid marks. Some women were wailing uncontrollably, calling for justice.

Mr Chipinda said the armed gang attacked them while they were seated around a fire outside the house while enjoying beer. “We were five and seated outside the house in a cabin that we use as a kitchen while drinking our beer. It was around 9PM when the gang just appeared from the dark,” he said.

Mr Chipinda said he was hit on the head with an empty beer bottle and fled into the house.

“I locked the door. But the gang, numbering about 13, chopped down the door with machetes,” he said.

“I tried to escape using the other exit. Unfortunately, they had surrounded the house and one of them stabbed me on the abdomen with a knife. I heard one of them shouting that I wasn’t the one they were looking for, so they let me go.” He said the gang left soon afterwards. “When I went outside to check on the others, Tafadzwa was lying on the ground near the gate. It looks like he was trying to escape and they got hold of him and cut him up badly with the machetes. Tshuma looked dead in the corridor,” said Mr Chipinda.

“Chibharo and Norest were also lying on the ground. Blood was gushing from deep cuts on their bodies and they were screaming for help.”

He said he blacked out momentarily. “When I regained my senses, I called police,” Mr Chipinda said. Some neighbours said they may know the gang. “Tafadzwa was seen whipping one of them with a sjambok two days back, so it could be emanating from that case. I think it was a revenge mission,” said a neighbour on condition of anonymity.

Midlands Provincial Spokesperson, Assistant Inspector Ethel Mukwende could neither confirm nor deny the incident. “I can neither confirm nor deny the matter. I am actually hearing it from you, I will be able to comment after I receive the details,” she said.

The gruesome murder comes amid an outcry from Kwekwe residents who are living in fear of the machete attacks that usually emanate from fights over mining pits. POLICE have called on political parties to act within the confines of the law as they intensify their campaigns ahead of the forthcoming harmonised elections set for July 30.

The police say they are prepared to ensure that the elections are held in a peaceful, violence free and conducive environment.

Addressing the media in Harare yesterday, police commander for the 2018 harmonised elections committee, Senior Assistant Commissioner Erasmus Makodza, commended political parties for the peaceful demonstration and march held this week.

“Firstly, as Commander ZRP 2018 Harmonised Elections, I would like to commend political parties for the peace and maintenance of law and order that characterised the procession and rallies held in Harare on the 5th and 6th of June 2018. In this vein, I urge members of the public and political parties to continue exhibiting values and virtues of peace, non-violent conduct and above all observance of the rule of law,” said Snr Asst Comm Makodza.

He urged tolerance within political parties as the country was now in an election mode following President Mnangagwa’s recent proclamation of July 30 as the election date.

“The Zimbabwe Republic Police would like to assure members of the public and all stakeholders that it is ready and geared to ensure that the forthcoming harmonised elections are held in a peaceful, violence free and conducive environment.

“It is apparent that political parties have intensified their campaigns through rallies, meetings and various gatherings, I thus urge all to act within the confines of the law and observe political tolerance throughout the election period,” he said.

Snr Asst Comm Makodza warned that police would not tolerate any forms of unruly behaviour and acts of political violence, saying offenders would be dealt with accordingly. Members of the public are encouraged to report any form of political violence which includes threats, intimidation or assault to any nearest police station without fear or favour and refer them to court for prosecution,” he said.

The MDC Alliance held a peaceful demonstration where they handed over a petition to the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (Zec) demanding electoral reforms in Harare on Tuesday.

On Wednesday, Zanu-PF youths also held a solidarity march in Harare in support of President Mnangagwa’s call for peaceful and credible elections, stressing that no investor wanted to put his money where there was no peace. — @AuxiliaK