Tendai Gukutikwa
Post Reporter
POLICE in Mutare have arrested two suspects in connection with the murder of a suspected homeless man, whose body was found near Leon Garage following a violent dispute involving his girlfriend and another man. Acting Manicaland provincial police spokesperson, Assistant Inspector Wiseman Chinyoka confirmed the death of the male adult, only identified as Tapiwa, saying preliminary investigations point to a fight that escalated into fatal violence.
“The deceased, Tapiwa, was a male adult believed to be a vagabond who stayed around Old Leon Complex. He was in a relationship with one of the accused persons, Mary Marondo (27), of Chawaita Village, under Chief Marange,” said Assistant Inspector Chinyoka.
He said the deceased, and Marondo were known to cohabit at Old Leon Complex, and were both allegedly involved in drug abuse.
Trouble reportedly started on December 11, at around 2pm, when the two had a heated argument.
“The deceased accused his girlfriend of misappropriating his property. A physical fight ensued, during which Marondo allegedly slapped the deceased several times,” said Assistant Inspector Chinyoka. Kelvin Bande, of Old Leon Complex, is said to have been present during the earlier altercation.
Assistant Inspector Chinyoka said after the afternoon dispute, Bande reportedly went to sleep in his room, while Marondo left the area to fetch water from Greengate – along Fifth Street – about 200 metres from the scene.
However, events took a darker turn in the early morning hours.
“At around 4am, Bande woke up and noticed the deceased lying motionless on the ground, facing upwards. He went to look for assistance and later informed Marondo,” said Assistant Inspector Chinyoka.
Upon their return to the scene, the two realised that Tapiwa had died.
“Instead of reporting immediately to the police, the two fled from the scene after confiding in a third party. The third person later reported the matter to Mutare Central Police, prompting officers to attend the scene,” he said, adding that officers who attended the scene observed that the deceased was half-dressed, wearing a pair of blue jeans, and had visible injuries.
“The body had bruises on the left hand and a cut on the back of the head. He was lying on his back,” said Assistant Inspector Chinyoka, adding that inquiries led police to another witness, who reportedly witnessed the fight.
“One witness confirmed seeing the deceased with Marondo, and also saw Bande beating the deceased, while trying to intervene in the fight,” said Assistant Inspector Chinyoka.
Following investigations, police tracked down and arrested both Marondo and Bande.
“The two have since been apprehended and are assisting police with investigations,” he said, adding that the matter is still under investigation and the police have not yet informed the deceased’s next of kin as they are yet to identify them.
“At this stage, the identity of the deceased’s relatives is not yet known. We are appealing to members of the public who may have a missing relative by the name Tapiwa to come forward and assist with identification,” said Assistant Inspector Chinyoka.
He warned against resorting to violence during domestic and interpersonal disputes, especially when fuelled by drugs and alcohol, as it often leads to irreversible consequences like death.
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