Masvingo man murders pal over piece work proceeds ...

Masvingo man murders pal over piece work proceeds ratios

Zim Now Writer

The High Court in Masvingo has opened trial of a man who allegedly murdered his friend over differences regarding sharing of spoils from a menial job they had done.

Richard Chikwanda, (49), of Village 1, Vlakfontein Farm, Chief Chikwanda in Masvingo, pleaded not guilty to the murder of Samson Dembera, (35), of Village 2 on the same farm.

Chikwanda appeared before Justice Garainesu Mawadze sitting with assessors, Mavis Chademana and Graeme Nish.

The State, represented by Edwin Mbavarira, alleged that Chikwanda on August 9, 2020 assaulted Dembera with a log all over his body, causing his death at Masvingo General Hospital the following day.

The incident took place in Zaka, and Dembera was transferred to Masvingo General Hospital after Ndanga District Hospital failed to treat him of the serious injuries sustained from the alleged attack.

Dembera sadly passed on a day after the assault.

An uncle to Dembera Saul Masukuma of Village 1, while giving evidence in court, said when he and Village 2 head, John Mazango, rushed when they heard appeals for help from the now deceased and found him badly injured and unable to rise and struggling to speak.

Masukuma said Dembera told them the conflict was over the sharing of the proceeds of a job they had done together and he went on to look for transport to take Dembera to hospital and also reported the case to police.

On the other hand, Chikwanda claimed he acted in self-defence after Dembera allegedly assaulted him with a log over a longstanding land dispute between the two.

The trial continues on next Monday.