By Sukoluhle Ndlovu
A Gokwe chief allegedly ordered the killing of his 72-year-old relative following a bitter dispute over the sharing of his chieftainship, Gokwe magistrates court heard on Tuesday.
Chief Chireya, born Henry Chidzivo (53), appeared before magistrate Ranganai Matangani facing murder charges alongside six other suspects, including two police officers, over the death of Tapson Jichidza. He was remanded in custody to November 4.
Representing the state, prosecutor Simbarashe Hwacha said Chief Chireya instructed his co accused to kill Jichidza.
“The accused instructed his accomplices to kill the now deceased who caused his Chieftainship to be shared,” he said
The court heard that on October 13, at around 8.30pm, Chief Chireya allegedly gathered nine accomplices armed with axes, knobkerries, iron bars and an FN rifle before driving them to Jichidza’s homestead in his Isuzu twin cab.
Upon approaching the homestead, the chief allegedly switched off the vehicle’s lights before the group surrounded the house and ordered the occupants to lie on their stomachs.
“Accused person and his accomplices abruptly assaulted everyone who was on the yard several times all over their bodies using wooden sticks, iron bars, knobkerries, open hands and booted feet,” the State alleged.
Jichidza reportedly tried to escape but was struck with a rifle butt, an iron bar and a knobkerrie, causing him to collapse unconscious.
The State alleges that Chief Chireya ordered his accomplices to kill the elderly man before they carried him into a roofless pole-and-mud hut and fled the scene.
Jichidza’s two sons, Brighton and Shelton, were also seriously injured during the attack.
The elderly man was later certified dead at Gokwe North District Hospital by Dr Emmerson Nguluvhe. His body was referred to United Bulawayo Hospitals for a post-mortem examination.
Chief Chireya, who was arrested on October 19, joins Jetro Dumbura, Chenjerai Chidzivo, Kevin Panashe Musariri, Kasiyani Mudyachawaona and police officers Moses Sibanda and Agent Chitsinde, who are already on remand.
Two other suspects remain at large.
The prosecution opposed bail, warning that the chieftainship dispute remained unresolved and could lead to further killings.
“The serious grudge between the two camps is not yet resolved. If released on bail, there is a possibility of more murder cases,” the State argued.
Prosecutors also expressed concern that Chief Chireya could use his position to intimidate witnesses or interfere with investigations.
“Accused person may attempt to influence or intimidate witnesses or conceal or destroy evidence using his position as a chief,” the State submitted.
The prosecution further argued that keeping the chief in custody would protect him from possible revenge attacks by the rival camp. The State expects to call 14 witnesses.
