Zimbabwe – 23 year old man killed in puppy-ownership dispute

A 23-year-old Zimbabwean man was allegedly killed over a dispute about the ownership of a puppy, according to a report.

According to the state-owned Chronicle newspaper in Zimbabwe, a 25-year-old Tsholotsho man allegedly struck Emmanuel Moyo, 23, on the head twice, using a piece of wood, and he died immediately.

“Villagers apprehended him and surrendered him to the police and he is in custody,” Chief Inspector Siphiwe Makonese was quoted as saying.

Makonese said there has been an increase in murder and attempted murder cases over “things which are not at all worth losing lives over”, such as soap, shovels, knives and beer.

“Nothing is worth killing anyone for,” Makonese reportedly added.

Tsarwe was reportedly sentenced to 18 years in prison.

The overall crime rate in Zimbabwe increased by 10 to 20% across most sectors.

“For many impoverished people, the prize that crime yields may outweigh the risk of being caught. Thus, poverty increases crime rates,” legal expert Gift Mtisi was quoted as saying.