Man fatally assaults nephew over relish

A BULILIMA man is on the run after he allegedly fatally struck his nephew with a brick on the head for feeding his donkeys with a cabbage when there was no relish at home.

The suspect, Future Sitshela (36) from Matiwaza area in Hingwe Village, had an altercation with his nephew Allen Luphahla (21) saying the latter should have given the cabbage to his wife so that she could cook it for their family.

Matabeleland South acting provincial police spokesperson, Inspector Loveness Mangena said Luphahla died on Wednesday due to the injuries he sustained on July 30 at around 3PM.

“I can confirm that we recorded a murder case where a man died after succumbing to injuries he sustained during an attack. The suspect Future Sitshela who is on the run struck his nephew Allen Luphahla with a brick on the forehead on July 30 during a misunderstanding,” she said.

“Luphahla lost consciousness and was rushed to Ndolwane Clinic and was further referred to Plumtree District Hospital and United Bulawayo Hospitals for treatment. He was discharged but his condition deteriorated and he died on Wednesday while he was at his home. The medical report indicated that Luphahla sustained a fractured skull and internal haemorrhage as a result of the attack.”

Insp Mangena said police have since launched a manhunt for Sitshela.

She appealed to members of the public with information on his whereabouts to report at any police station near them. The police spokesperson urged members of the public to desist from engaging in violence, adding that conflicting parties must find amicable ways of resolving disputes such as engaging third parties.

A source close to the investigations who preferred anonymity said on the day in question Sitshela and Luphahla went to Matiwaza Business Centre in a donkey drawn scotch cart to collect maize. The source said upon arrival Luphahla bought a cabbage and gave to his donkeys to eat which angered Sitshela.

“Sitshela started condemning Luphahla for giving the cabbage to his donkeys while his family didn’t have relish at home. He pointed out that Luphahla should have given the cabbage to his wife instead so she could cook for the family.

“They started fighting and Sitshela picked up a brick and struck his nephew with it on the forehead and he lost consciousness,” said the source. — @DubeMatutu