Chivi Man Accused of Killing Father Over Witchcraft Claims

By Staff Reporter | Masvingo

A 35-year-old Chivi man has been arrested and charged with murder after allegedly beating and stoning his 70-year-old father during a dispute over accusations that the elderly man was bewitching him.

Norman Gwanangara of Headman Madzivire village in Chivi, Masvingo, allegedly attacked his father, Funny Gwanangara, on September 3 at about 6.50pm following a dispute over unresolved family issues and witchcraft allegations. Masvingo acting provincial police spokesperson Assistant Inspector Itayi Zivhave confirmed the incident.

“On September 3 at around 6:50 pm, the accused went to the complainant over unresolved family issues, alleging that his father was bewitching him,” Zivhave said. The two allegedly began arguing before Norman assaulted his father several times with his bare hands, striking him across the body. Police further allege that the assault escalated when Norman struck his father on the head with a suspected okapi knife before sitting on his chest and repeatedly hitting him on the head with stones.

Funny suffered a deep cut to the chin as well as injuries to the back of the head and forehead, according to police. The matter was reported at Ngundu Police Station, after which officers attended the scene and arrested the suspect. Funny was initially taken to Ngundu Clinic for treatment before being transferred to Chivi District Hospital, where he was admitted in serious condition.

His condition later required specialist treatment and he was transferred to Masvingo General Hospital on September 5. However, he died at the hospital on the same day. His body was taken to the Masvingo General Hospital mortuary pending a post-mortem examination.

Norman is now facing a murder charge in connection with his father's death.

The case highlights the potentially deadly consequences of disputes involving accusations of witchcraft, which continue to feature in some family and community conflicts in Zimbabwe. Accusations of witchcraft can have serious consequences when they escalate into violence, particularly where family disputes, longstanding grievances or allegations of supernatural harm are involved.

However, the police account does not establish that Funny Gwanangara was involved in witchcraft or had actually harmed his son. The allegation was reportedly made by Norman during the dispute and forms part of the circumstances surrounding the alleged attack. Police investigations will now focus on establishing the circumstances leading to the assault and the events that resulted in Funny's death.

The murder allegation will ultimately have to be determined through the courts, where the accused is entitled to due process and the presumption of innocence unless convicted. The latest case comes as police continue to urge members of the public to resolve family and community disputes without resorting to violence. For communities dealing with allegations of witchcraft, traditional beliefs and family disagreements, authorities and community leaders have repeatedly stressed the importance of seeking mediation and lawful intervention rather than taking matters into one's own hands.

In this case, what began as an alleged confrontation between father and son ended with the death of a 70-year-old man and his son facing a serious criminal charge. The investigation remains ongoing.

A 35-year-old Chivi man is facing murder charges after allegedly beating and stoning his 70-year-old father during a dispute over witchcraft allegations.

Chivi man murder charge