Police in Matabeleland North are investigating two murder cases in Nyamandlovu, Lupane, where two brothers reportedly died following a violent altercation linked to a dispute over a funeral parlour pamphlet.
In a statement yesterday, the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) Commissioner Paul Nyathi said preliminary investigations suggest that the dispute escalated after one of the brothers received promotional material from a funeral parlour.
“Preliminary investigations indicate that one of the brothers had been given a funeral parlour pamphlet containing information on how to join the funeral service,” he said.
He added that tensions rose after accusations of alleged religious wrongdoing.
“An argument subsequently arose, with one brother accusing the other of intending to join Satanism,” said Commissioner Nyathi.
The ZRP spokesperson said the confrontation turned violent, resulting in fatal injuries.
“During the altercation, one brother allegedly struck the other several times on the head with a log. The injured victim was later offered shelter by a friend and was found dead the following day,” he said.
Commissioner Nyathi further confirmed that the second brother was later discovered dead under a tree.
“On the same date, the other brother was found lying dead under a tree with bruises all over his body,” he said.
He said investigations into both deaths are ongoing as police seek to establish the full circumstances surrounding the incidents.
The Zimbabwe Republic Police urged members of the public to resolve disputes peacefully and avoid violence.
“The Zimbabwe Republic Police urges members of the public to resolve disputes amicably and refrain from resorting to violence,” said Commissioner Nyathi.
The ZRP continues to record incidents of interpersonal violence across the country, prompting renewed calls for community conflict resolution.
