CHIPINGE: A local man had his hand chopped off with a machete by a drinking mate following a misunderstanding over a simcard on Sunday.
Provincial police spokesperson, Inspector Tavhiringwa Kakohwa confirmed the incident.
He said Boniface Ziaphela (34) lost his arm after it was cut off with a machete during a beer drink at D` Plaza Tararo farm.
Kakohwa said Ziaphela was having a beer drink with Moffat Sithole (33) of the same farm when a misunderstanding arose over a missing simcard.
“Sithole asked Ziaphela to use his phone to purchase beer after his had turned off due to power.
“After buying beer, Sithole returned Ziaphela`s phone but he later came back claiming that he had forgotten his simcard. Ziaphela denied that he was in possession of the said sim card and the two exchanged words and Sithole storming out of the bar,” said the police spokesperson.
Sithole later came back armed with a machete and accompanied by three other suspects identified as Lukestone Sithole, Muneru and Dingiswayo.
The four dragged Ziaphela out of the bar and started assaulting him.
Sithole struck Ziaphela on his right hand with a machete, completely dislocating his arm.
The four then fled the scene and disappeared into the dark leaving Ziaphela lying on the ground.
A report was made at Chipinge Urban Police who attended the scene and recovered the weapon that was used.
Police managed to arrest two suspects who are in custody awaiting trial.
“People should always try to resolve their differences amicably rather than resorting to violence,” said Kakohwa.
