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Walter Mswazie Masvingo Correspondent
A 35-year-old mentally challenged man from Zaka fatally assaulted his grandmother last Thursday after she tried to restrain him from assaulting a neighbour.

Esau Tohwechipi of Sami Village under Chief Nhema allegedly assaulted his grandmother Esther Tohwechipi (67) all over the body before kicking her in the abdomen until she fell down.

She bled profusely and died on the spot. Her body was taken to Ndanga District Hospital for post-mortem. Masvingo police spokesperson Inspector Charity Mazula confirmed the incident.

“We received a report of murder involving a mentally challenged man and his grandmother,” she said.

“The man, who had long since stopped taking his medication, assaulted his grandmother, leading to her death before fleeing the scene of crime.”

Insp Mazula said on the day in question, Esau allegedly drove the cattle he was herding close to a neighbour’s field prompting the latter to drive them away while ordering Esau to move from the area. This did not go down well with Esau who charged at the neighbour and started assaulting her all over the body.

The neighbour fled towards Esau’s home to seek refuge. On realising that Esau wanted to attack their neighbour, his grandmother intervened and tried to restrain him. Esau allegedly turned on his grandmother and assaulted her.

The deceased started bleeding from the mouth and nose, resulting in her instant death as a result of the attack.