Soap row leaves neighbour dead

A TEENAGER from Tito Village under Chief Negove in Mberengwa fatally struck his neighbour, who had restrained him from assaulting his mother and sister over bathing soap.

Acting Midlands Police Spokesperson Assistant Inspector Ethel Mukwende confirmed the incident adding that Tamirira Moyo (19) was arrested immediately after murdering Mr Peter Hungwe (31).

“Police in Midlands Province are investigating a case of murder where a 19-year-old boy struck his neighbour twice in the rib cage with a brick resulting in his death. The teen was arrested and he is assisting police with investigations,” said Asst Insp Mukwende.

She said on the day in question, Hungwe was at home when he heard noise coming from his neighbours’ home and went over to see what was happening.

“He found Moyo beating his mother and 14-year-old sister (name withheld) over a missing bathing soap. He tried to stop Moyo from further assaulting the two and the former was not happy about it. He picked a brick and hit him twice in the rib cage,” said Asst Insp Mukwende.

She said Hungwe became unconscious and was rushed to Matibi Mission Hospital.

“Hungwe was taken to Matibi Mission Hospital and was transferred to Masvingo Provincial Hospital where he died on admission. His body was taken to United Bulawayo Hospitals for a postmortem,” said Asst Insp Mukwende.

She appealed to members of the public to solve their disputes amicably by involving third parties where they fail to reconcile, instead of using violence.

“We are appealing to members of the public to solve their disputes or differences amicably and where they fail to agree they should engage third parties. Use of violence constitutes an offence and leads to unnecessary loss of lives,” she said.