GWERU, SEPT 19, (SOUTHERN EYE LIVE): A 27-year-old Redcliff man has been sentenced to 20 years in prison for killing fellow resident following a dispute over missing groceries.
Collen Ishmael was convicted of murder by the High Court sitting at the Gweru circuit.
The court heard that on April 6 this year, Ishmael hired Ellias Kavhumbura Chimutiso to transport his groceries from Mutequde business centreat Stand Number 19, Wentworth, Redcliff.
The state said the incident occurred on April 6, 2026, at about 1pm after Chimutiso hired Ishmael to transport his groceries from Mutequde Business Centre to his residence using an ox-drawn scotchcart for a fee of US$5.
Upon arriving at his residence, Chimutiso discovered that some of his groceries were missing and confronted Ishmael.
He told Ishmael that he would not pay the agreed transport fee until the missing groceries were returned.
The disagreement escalated into a physical fight inside Chimutiso's tuck-shop.
Ishmael then rushed to his scotch cart, armed himself with an axe and struck Chimutiso on the left shin and right side of the head, causing him to fall to the ground bleeding profusely.
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After the attack, Ishmael fled from the scene.
Police later took Chimutiso to Kwekwe General Hospital where he was pronounced dead on arrival.
Ishmael was arrested the following day, leading to the discovrry of the axe in his bedroom.
A post-mortem examination established that Chimutiso died of brain injury and severe head trauma caused by the assault.
