A 59-year-old man from Gokwe lost his life due to a brutal beating inflicted by another man who accused him of practicing witchcraft.
Vunzai Siachilimba (32) left Guster Sikadongwe (59) severely injured after assaulting him with an empty bottle and delivering punches all over his body.
Sikadongwe was initially taken to the hospital, treated, and then discharged. However, he tragically succumbed to his injuries several days after the attack.
The Midlands Police Spokesperson, Inspector Emmanuel Mahoko, confirmed the incident, which occurred on October 28, 2023, in Village Sialumbe, under the jurisdiction of Chief Simchembu in Gokwe North.
“The now-deceased and the suspect encountered each other at a local shop, where they engaged in a dispute after Siachilimba accused Sikadongwe of practicing witchcraft. Siachilimba subsequently struck the victim on the head with an empty beer bottle, causing him to lose consciousness,” Inspector Mahoko recounted.
Siachilimba continued to physically assault Sikadongwe by sitting on top of him and using his fists.
Sikadongwe was swiftly taken to Gokwe South District Hospital, where he received medical treatment and was discharged. Unfortunately, his health deteriorated in the following days, resulting in his untimely death.
As a consequence, Siachilimba was arrested in connection with the incident.
Inspector Mahoko emphasized, “We would like to take this opportunity to remind the public that it is a crime to accuse anyone of being a witch or wizard. In the event of a dispute, individuals should consider resolving it through dialogue rather than resorting to violence.”
Source Bulawayo24
