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By Goodwell Kazingizi
A dark cloud has engulfed the Chikwaka Village and its surrounding environs following a gruesome murder that took place in the early hours of Saturday last week.The inhumane act left the bereaved families and the community with more questions than answers.
Farai Rupondo (58) of Njerere village, Chief Chikwaka, brutally axed his son’s wife, Maybe Bhobonheya (20), and her 2- year-old son, Anashe.
It is alleged that prior to the bizarre unfortunate incident, Rupondo who was the village head of Njerere village had been having a misunderstanding with his son, Shepherd Rupondo over issues to do with paternity.
“They were having some misunderstandings with his son Shepherd over issues to do with paternity. In actual fact he (Farai) was denying being the real father of Shepherd, so he wanted him to vacate his home together with his wife and child. There was no peace between the two,” said Jack Dowera who is a family spokesperson.
In the wee hours of the fateful day, Rupondo is said to have locked the door of the house in which Shepherd was sleeping with his wife and child before setting it ablaze.
Shepherd managed to escape through the roof. He found his father waiting for him with an axe outside. Shepherd took to his heels with his father in pursuit but he failed to catch him.
Maybe managed to get out through the window together with the child. She was unfortunate that she met her axe-wielding father-in-law waiting for her outside.
Rupondo struck the child first on the neck before turning the axe to the mother. After being struck several times Maybe tried to flee but fell and died a few metres away. The child was taken to Shamva hospital where he died upon admission.
Mashonaland East police spokesperson, Inspector Simon Chazovachii confirmed receiving the report but referred all questions to national police spokesperson, Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyati, who he said was handling the issue. Efforts to get a comment from Ass Comm Nyati were fruitless as his phone was unavailable.
Maybe’s father Stephen Bhobonheya was at a loss for words.
“I don’t know what to say. I am failing to come to terms with this tragedy. I can’t imagine the pain that my daughter went through,” said a visibly shaken Bhobonheya.