Redcliff Man Axed To Death During Scotch-Cart Fare Dispute

A 49-year-old man was brutally killed on Monday following a violent altercation at Wentworth Farm in Redcliff, Kwekwe.

The victim, identified as Elias Kavhumbura Chimusito, had reportedly engaged the services of 27-year-old Collen Ishmael to transport his groceries from Rutendo to Wentworth Farm using an ox-drawn scotch-cart.

Tensions rose upon their arrival at the farm when Chimusito discovered that several items were missing from his supplies. Consequently, he refused to settle the agreed transport fee with Ishmael.

The dispute quickly turned fatal when Ishmael allegedly seized an axe from the scotch-cart and struck Chimusito on the head and left shin. He died on the spot.

Midlands Provincial Police Spokesperson, Inspector Emmanuel Mahoko, confirmed the murder.

“A 49 – year – old man was axed to death following an altercation with an animal-drawn scotch-cart transporter over his missing groceries at Wentworth Farm, Redcliff, on Monday, April 6, at about 8:30 pm,” he said.

According to Insp Mahoko, the victim had hired the suspect’s scotch-cart to move supplies from Rutendo to Wentworth.

A dispute arose at the destination when Chimusito noticed missing goods and refused to settle the transport fare.

“This angered Ishmael, who took an axe from the scotch cart which he used to strike Chimusito on the head and left shin and died on the spot,” said Insp Mahoko.

Inspector Mahoko said officers from ZRP Redcliff attended the scene, leading to Ishmael’s immediate arrest.

The deceased’s body was transported to the Kwekwe General Hospital mortuary pending a post-mortem examination.

Ishmael is expected to appear in court to face a formal charge of murder.

In the wake of the tragedy, Inspector Mahoko reiterated the police’s appeal for the public to resolve conflicts through peaceful dialogue.

He urged people to involve community elders or professional counsellors when faced with disputes, rather than resorting to violence and causing the unnecessary loss of life.

More: The Herald