Banket businessman guns down nephew

Harare — A prominent Mashonaland West Province businessman Rashid Phiri shot and killed his sister’s 13-year-old son early Saturday morning at his farm in Banket after mistaking him for a burglar.

The man has since been arrested and is assisting police with investigations. Phiri, who owns a mine in Mutorashanga and a farm in Banket, had been awakened by noise in the house before firing two shots towards the pantry were his nephew Abessy Phiri was.

Abessy, who was a student at Lomagundi College, was hit twice in the eye and died on the spot. The incident occurred at around 0030 hours on Saturday. Police spokesperson, Superintendent Andrew Phiri, yesterday said Phiri was detained at Chinhoyi Police Station as investigations continued.

“On the fateful day, Phiri was awakened by his wife who was saying there was an intruder in the house,” he said.

Phiri armed himself with a revolver and went, checking in every room before he heard the noise coming from the pantry.

“He went to the pantry and asked who it was but there was no response before he fired two shots, which hit Abessy,” Supt Phiri said.

Phiri then switched on the lights and discovered that he had killed Abessy. A report was immediately made to the police leading to Phiri’s arrest. He is likely to appear in court soon facing murder charges. The Herald

[newsletter]