Chipinge – A horrifying incident has shaken Mbeure Villagers in Chipinge after a 37-year-old man, Kufakwevantu Chirigo, brutally murdered his one-year-old nephew, Advisor Mlambo, by hacking his head with a machete.
The attack, which occurred on 14 September, was allegedly driven by Chirigo’s desire to force his sister, Uria Porai Chirigo, to return to her husband’s home.
The incident unfolded when Chirigo, heavily intoxicated, arrived home and demanded that his sister return to her husband’s place along with their child. When Uria remained silent, Chirigo became aggressive, grabbing a hammer and striking her on the back. Fearing for her safety, Uria took her baby and sought refuge inside the house, locking the door.
However, Chirigo’s rage did not subside. He broke the window latch to gain entry into the house, and when Uria, feeling insecure, opened the door and attempted to flee, he caught up with her. Grabbing an axe from a scotch-cart, he struck her once on the neck. He then turned his fury on his nephew, hacking him repeatedly on the head with a machete. Uria, attempting to shield her child, sustained multiple injuries to her wrist.
Neighbours, alerted by Uria’s cries for help, rushed to the scene and intervened, forcing Chirigo to flee. Tragically, upon returning home, Uria’s mother discovered that her baby, Advisor Mlambo, had succumbed to his injuries. She immediately reported the incident to the police.
Police officers, upon arriving at the scene, observed deep cuts on the baby’s head and body. A scene investigation was conducted, but the axe, hammer, and machete used in the attack were not found.
On 15 September, police received a tip-off that Chirigo had been spotted in the area and swiftly apprehended him. He is currently in custody.
Acting Manicaland provincial police spokesperson, Assistant Inspector Wiseman Chinyoka, confirmed the incident and urged members of the public to settle disputes amicably rather than resorting to violence.
“Domestic violence and aggression can escalate quickly, prioritising safety is crucial. It is essential to protect vulnerable members, especially children and women. Excessive alcohol consumption can exacerbate these risks, leading to impaired judgment, loss of self-control, and reckless behaviour,” said Assistant Inspector Chinyoka.
“Never underestimate the devastating consequences of acting under the influence of alcohol. If you or someone you know is in danger, seek shelter and support from trusted individuals or organisations. Let us work together to prevent violence,” he added.
