By Ziyah News Court Reporter
A 21-year-old man from Zvishavane, Edwin Muchekayawa, has been sentenced to 24 years in prison by the High Court in Gweru for the brutal murder of 25-year-old Passmore Shumba, stemming from a personal dispute regarding Shumba’s marriage to Muchekayawa’s ex-girlfriend.
According to reports from the National Prosecuting Authority of Zimbabwe (NPAZ), the altercation began when Muchekayawa approached Shumba’s homestead. Upon arrival, he called out Shumba’s name and, when Shumba came outside, Muchekayawa attacked him with a stone using a catapult, striking him in the ribs. Following this initial assault, Muchekayawa fled the scene.
The next morning, Shumba, along with relatives Tawanda Shumba and Chengeto Nyadzo, set out to track down the assailant. Their search led them to Muchekayawa’s homestead, where they confronted him about the attack.
As they were leaving, Muchekayawa armed himself with an axe and pursued the group.
In a tragic turn of events, the group scattered in different directions, and during the chase, the deceased fell to the ground.
Muchekayawa caught up with him and struck him once on the head, behind the ear, with the axe, resulting in Shumba’s death. He then fled the scene, leaving Shumba lying in a pool of blood.
The incident was reported to the police, leading to Muchekayawa’s arrest.