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Munyaradzi Musiiwa Midlands Correspondent
POLICE in Gokwe have arrested a 23-year-old man who allegedly struck his brother with a brick on the head and killed him in a dispute over a family cow. Midlands police spokesperson Inspector Emmanuel Mahoko said the incident occurred last Tuesday at around 8.30pm in Shonhai Village under Chief Chireya when Alton Hove killed his brother, Ocean Sipikiri (25).

Insp Mahoko said their mother sent Hove — without Sipikiri’s knowledge — to sell a cow that their father left behind when he died a few years back.

“We are investigating a case of murder in which a 23-year-old man fatally struck his brother with a brick following a misunderstanding over family wealth.

“On the day, Sipikiri got a tip-off from a family member that his mother and young brother had sold a family cow without his knowledge. It is alleged that Hove was sent by his mother to go and collect the balance which was left when the cow was sold.

“Sipikiri proceeded to Hove’s homestead to confront his brother whom he accused of misusing family wealth,” he said.
Insp Mahoko said a heated argument ensued.

“It is alleged that Sipikiri got angry and attempted to strike Hove with a machete but he missed. Hove retaliated by striking Sipikiri with a brick once on the left side of his head. Sipikiri collapsed and fell unconscious while bleeding profusely.

“Fellow villagers tried to render first aid to the now deceased but to no avail. Sipikiri subsequently died due to injuries sustained as a result of the assault before he could be taken to hospital,” he said.

Insp Mahoko said the matter was reported to the police leading to Hove’s arrest.