Man faces murder after striking drunk friend with firewood for vulgar language
22-year-old suspect appears in court over fatal attack
By Auther Chimbgwa
A 22-year-old Lower Gweru man allegedly struck and killed his drunk friend with a piece of firewood recently after the now deceased had reportedly visited his home and started insulting him using vulgar language in front of his relatives.
In a statement, police spokesperson for Midlands Province Inspector Emmanuel Mahoko identified the suspect as Handsome Maphosa of Ndabambi Village under Chief Sogwala in Lower Gweru while the victim is Claudius Chawira (41) from the same village.
“The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) would like to confirm a case of murder in which a 41-year-old man died after being struck with a piece of firewood,” Mahoko said.
“The incident occurred at Ndabambi Village under Chief Sogwala in Lower Gweru on Saturday 9 May 2026.
“The now deceased is Claudius Chawira (41) of Ndabambi Village.
“Handsome Maphosa a friend to the now deceased has since been arrested as a suspect in the case.”
It is alleged that on the day in question at around 7pm, Maphosa was in the kitchen with his aunties at his homestead.
Chawira and a companion reportedly arrived and started shouting at the suspect using vulgar language.
The two appeared to be very drunk.
This did not go down well with Maphosa who retrieved a piece of glowing firewood from the fireplace and chased after the duo.
He caught up with Chawira whom he struck with the firewood.
Chawira reportedly fell to the ground but later rose and went home.
On the following day, his condition deteriorated and he was taken to Mabandla clinic where he was pronounced dead upon arrival.
Chawira’s companion has been subpoenaed as a witness while Maphosa is expected to appear in court facing murder.
“We urge members of the public to desist from resorting to violence as a way of settling issues,” said Mahoko.
