Man whips neighbour (73) to death

By Sukulwenkosi Dube-Matutu

A 43-YEAR-OLD Bulilima man beat up his 75-year-old neighbour to death after accusing him of bewitching and killing his two children.

Edward Gumbo of Gwembudzi Village was not asked to plead when he appeared briefly before Plumtree magistrate, Mr Taurai Manwere facing a murder charge.

He was remanded in custody to September 15.

Mr Manwere advised Gumbo to make a bail application at the High Court.

Prosecuting, Mr Zorodzai Pengapenga said Gumbo whipped the old man, Pilate Nleya several times all over the body with a mopane switch until he died on Wednesday evening.

“Gumbo met Nleya along a footpath between Gotshombo and Gwembudzi Village on 30 September around 7PM. Gumbo confronted the old man and accused him of bewitching his two children resulting in their death,” said Mrs Pengapenga.

“Nleya denied the allegations and a misunderstanding arose between the two men. Gumbo took a mopane switch and whipped the old man several times all over the body until he fell to the ground,” said Mr Pengapenga.

He said some passersby found Nleya lying dead on the ground while Gumbo was standing next to him still holding the switch.

Mr Pengapenga said Nleya sustained bruises all over his body as a result of the attack. He said the matter was reported to the police resulting in Gumbo’s arrest. The Chronicle