Staff Reporter

MBERENGWA – A 62-year-old man allegedly headbutted and assaulted his son leading to his death after a misunderstanding over a log.

The man, Shepherd Nhamo of Maribha Village under Chief Mataruse, in Mberengwa has since been arrested for the alleged murder of his 37-year-old son Pardon Gumbo.

Pardon succumbed to injuries sustained during the attack by his father four days later at Zvishavane District Hospital.

It is said that the two were at their homestead at Village Maribha around midday on April 6 when Pardon took a wooden log to stock up the fire. Nhamo then told his son that the log belonged to him and should not be put into the fire.

Pardon disregarded his father’s words and went on to burn the long and this infuriated his father who grabbed him by the collar and head butted him and punched him all over the body.

Trymore Gumbo (29), a brother to the late Pardon, intervened and stopped the scuffle.

On the following day on April 7, Pardon left home for Zvishavane District Hospital to seek treatment for injuries sustained during his father’s assault and was admitted.

On April 10, his condition further deteriorated and subsequently died.

Midlands police spokesperson Inspector Emmauel Mahoko confirmed the incident saying Nhamo was arrested and is assisting the police with investigations.

Insp. Mahoko said the public should seek amicable ways of solving disputes to avoid the unnecessary loss of lives.

Police in the province have this year raised concerns over the high rate of murder incidents that mostly occur after arguments over petty issues.