By Sharon Chimenya

A traditional beer binge ended tragically when a 37-year-old Chipinge man was allegedly axed by his 33-year-old brother following a misunderstanding over money.

Masvingo police spokesperson Inspector Kudakwashe Dhewa confirmed the incident in which Pedzanai Sithole (37) of Mapangano Village, under Chief Musikavanhu, in Chipinge was killed in cold blood after a misunderstanding over money which he had given to his brother, Witness Sithole.

The incident occurred in Chiredzi.

“On April 20 Witness, Pedzanai and their uncle David Gwenzu visited their aunt Joyce Gwenzi (46) at Plot 609 Chipetani, Chief Tshovani, Chiredzi. Around 12 am Farai Gorerawo (59) arrived at the plot and went to his room leaving the three Pedzanai, Witness and David drinking opaque beer outside.

“A misunderstanding ensued when Pedzanai started demanding his money he had given to Witness. He struck Witness with a Mopane log on the head. David fled from the scene leaving Pedzanai beating everyone at the homestead including a 19-year old year Maria Gorerawo who later fled from the scene.”

Inspector Dhewa said Witness went into the house, took an axe and struck his brother.

He dragged Pedzanai for about 15 metres and left him behind the cattle pen.

“In the morning Gorerawo saw a lot of blood trail near the cattle pen and quizzed Witness who then told him he had killed Pedzanai. The matter was reported to the police leading to the arrest of Witness.”

The body was taken to Chiredzi General Hospital for post mortem.

Insp Dhewa has urged the members of the public never to resolve their differences when they are drunk.