The ManicaPost
Lovemore Kadzura Rusape Correspondent
SIX Rusape men who allegedly provoked a fellow villager before stabbing him on the throat using a sharp broken glass have been arrested and were arraigned in court on murder charges. The unprovoked murder of Carlington Rateiwa was perpetrated on December 25, 2018 (Christmas) in Chitungwiza village, on the outskirts of Rusape. The six alleged killers are Witness Garikai (33), Tatenda Garikai (23), Tapiwa Kangara (23), Zacharia Mawoko, Lenos Nyadongo, and Norman Rapozi.
The two Garikai brothers and Kangara were the first to appear at Rusape Magistrates’ Court represented by lawyer Mr Tendai Bvuma.
They were this week granted bail by High Court Judge Justice Tawanda Chitapi. Mawoko, Nyadongo and Rapozi are languishing in remand prison.
State prosecutor Mr Gift Mutigwa told the court that the six blocked the road to inhibit the late Rateiwa from driving through.
A scuffle allegedly ensued when Rateiwa, who was driving a Toyota pick-up, enquired why were the six were blocking the road.
The six murder suspects allegedly struck him on the neck with a sharp broken water glass.
“On December 25, 2018 at around 2200hrs, Rateiwa was driving his Toyota pick-up due north, going to his homestead. He was in the company of his two sisters and two brothers.
“When Rateiwa approached Chitungwiza Primary School turn-off, he encountered the six accused persons walking towards the opposite direction.
‘‘The six accused persons blocked Rateiwa’s way by standing in the middle of the road for no apparent reason. When Rateiwa stopped his vehicle to investigate the actions of the accused persons, a misunderstanding arose.
“The accused persons, acting in concert, struck Rateiwa with a sharp broken water glass on his neck, causing a deep cut and he fell down. The accused persons then fled the scene. Rateiwa was rushed to Chitungwiza Clinic, and subsequently to Rusape General Hospital, where he was pronounced dead upon arrival,” said Mr Mutigwa.
A report was made to police leading to the recent arrest of the murder suspects.
