GWERU - Justice Nokuthula Moyo yesterday jailed two Gokwe brothers for 15 years for killing a 63-year-old man in a row over food aid.
The aid was distributed by a non-governmental organisation (NGO).
Stanlaus Dube from Chikwenhere village under Chief Chireya in Gokwe North was fatally assaulted by Gerald Martin Mugomeri and Kezias Mugomeri.
Justice Moyo, sitting at the Gweru High Court circuit here, convicted the duo of murder with constructive intent.
Their other two co-accused, Andrew Chananavara and Simbisai Chananavara, were discharged.
Tafadzwa Mpariwa represented the State. Mpariwa told the court that on October 16, 2008 and at around 10am, the four were at Mudondo Primary School awaiting food aid from Concern Worldwide.
During the meeting, Norman Moyo inquired from the NGO officials whether Dube and two other villages would receive food. They had earlier had a dispute while registering for the aid.
The distributor said that the food was going to be distributed if their differences had been resolved by the Gokwe district administrator.
After the meeting, Dube’s sons confronted Moyo and demanded to know why he had raised the issue and allegedly started assaulting him.
The accused joined the quarrel and started assaulting Dube’s family members.
Dube and some of his family members fled the scene, whilst the accused gave chase. Kezias struck Dube with a log on the head and he fell to the ground.
His brother Martin struck Dube twice with an axe on the head while Andrew and Simbisai stoned him.
Dube died before he could get medical help. A doctor’s medical report indicated that he died from head injuries and fracture of the cervical spine.