A 40-year-old man identified as Chooba Simbayi has allegedly been killed by his biological father and two half-brothers in CDC area of Mazabuka District after being accused of eating relish and nshima that had been prepared for people harvesting maize.
According to an immediate neighbour, the deceased’s father, identified as Enos Choolwe Simbayi, allegedly fired two gunshots at the neighbour’s place in an attempt to scare away anyone who wanted to rescue the victim after he reportedly ran there for safety.
It is alleged that after some time, the deceased returned home where his father and two half-brothers allegedly tied him to a mango tree with a huge stone attached to his feet for more than an hour, leading to his death.
The neighbours alleged that the father warned everyone not to come near, threatening to shoot anyone who attempted to rescue the deceased.
Both neighbours and the children have described the father as a hot-tempered man with a history of violent behaviour. They further disclosed that on several occasions when he assaulted the deceased, the victim’s mother was also beaten.
The deceased’s mother reportedly said she fled from the scene during the incident because she was frightened and traumatised.
Police have not yet issued an official statement on the matter, but sources from Mazabuka Central Police Station have revealed that the three suspects, including the father and the two half-brothers, have been apprehended and are currently in police custody.
By Helga Chibwe
