Drunken Rage or Premeditated Act? Kuwadzana Man St...

Drunken Rage or Premeditated Act? Kuwadzana Man Strangles Grandmother

Michael Mashiri

Zim Now Court Correspondent

A 22-year-old Kuwadzana man, Nhipalaaker Muyaya, appeared in court last week facing charges of murder after allegedly killing his 70-year-old grandmother, Agness Duri, in a horrifying Christmas tragedy.

According to court testimony, Muyaya returned home heavily intoxicated in the early hours of December 26. Between 1 a.m. and 5 a.m., he reportedly entered his grandmother's bedroom while she was asleep and launched a brutal attack.

The prosecution alleges that Muyaya punched Duri in the face and strangled her with his bare hands. The elderly woman sustained severe injuries, including profuse bleeding from her nose, ears, and mouth. Evidence presented in court suggested that her cries for help were stifled, likely due to the forceful grip on her neck. Despite her attempts to resist, her age and vulnerability left her overpowered.

In a chilling turn of events, Muyaya is said to have fallen asleep on a sofa in the same room, leaving his grandmother to succumb to her injuries. Hours later, Limbani Muyaya, the accused's 25-year-old brother, returned home from a nightclub and discovered the gruesome scene.

Limbani testified that he found their grandmother unresponsive on her blood-soaked bed, with deep wounds around her mouth. When he tried to confront his younger brother, Nhipalaaker allegedly became aggressive and threatened him. Fearing for his safety, Limbani fled the house to seek help from a neighbour, Jane Bakili.

Bakili admitted hearing noises earlier that night but refrained from intervening, citing fear of Nhipalaaker’s reputation for violent, drunken outbursts. The situation remained unresolved until dawn, when Muyaya allegedly called for Bakili, shouting, “Gogo havasi kufema, huyai muvaone!” (Grandmother is not breathing, come and see her).

Upon re-entering the house, both Bakili and Limbani found Duri lifeless, with blood clots covering her pillow and sheets. Authorities were called to the scene, and Muyaya was arrested later that day. The court has denied him bail, as murder is a third schedule offense.

Muyaya, who faces a potential life sentence if convicted, has not entered a plea. The trial continues, with prosecutors seeking to determine whether the act was fueled solely by intoxication or if other motives, such as financial gain or personal grudges, played a role.

This tragic case has sent shockwaves through the Kuwadzana 7 community, raising questions about substance abuse and domestic violence.