By Staff Reporter

TWO brothers from Mavikini village, Gokwe allegedly killed their cousin brother on Easter Saturday over witchcraft allegations.

According to reports, the trio was drinking beer at Goredema Business Centre when a misunderstanding ensued following witchcraft accusations.

Midlands police spokesperson Emmanuel Mahoko said: “Two brothers allegedly murdered their cousin brother over allegations of witchcraft practices. The incident occurred at Village Mavikini Chief Chireya in Gokwe. It is alleged that the deceased Pondai Manyao aged 53 and the suspects Collen Javhu and and Francis Sibanda were drinking beer at Goredema Business Centre when a misunderstanding ensued between the three with the accused being accused of practising witchcraft and causing illnesses among family members”.

It is said Javhu struck Manyao three times on the head with an axe and Sibanda kicked him on the chest and abdomen several times.

After realising that the now deceased was unconscious the duo fled the scene.

The matter was reported to the police and investigations are underway with the suspects still at large.

Manyao sustained three deep cuts on the head and was complaining of abdominal and chest pains.

He was ferried to Gokwe North District Hospital where he was admitted in a critical condition. On April 8 around 1000hrs he died while being transferred to Gweru Provincial Hospital.