A landlord from Zengeza, identified as Crispen Marara, has been declared wanted after allegedly collaborating with four others to assault his tenant in a dispute over rental funds.
The suspect is being sought by police in connection with the death of 38-year-old Tendai Nenguwo, who died on Sunday, April 13, at Chitungwiza Central Hospital following the attack.
The incident reportedly originated from a disagreement over US$560 that Tendai had allegedly collected from other tenants residing at a property on Hanga Street in Zengeza 1, owned by Marara’s parents. It is alleged that Tendai failed to remit the funds and instead converted them for personal use.
“Police are investigating a murder case in Zengeza,” confirmed Harare provincial police spokesperson, Inspector Luckmore Chakanza. “The deceased was reported to have used the money of the accused person. The deceased passed on while admitted at Chitungwiza Central Hospital on April 13.”
According to reports, Marara hired four unidentified men who aided him in severely assaulting Tendai with broomsticks and fists. Tendai was later hospitalised, where he reportedly suffered persistent chest pains until his eventual death.
Tendai’s sister, Yvette Masango, expressed the family’s sorrow and shared details of the aftermath. “We lost a loving brother. After the assault, he was always complaining of chest pains. He told me that he was reluctant to lodge a report with the police since he was the one at fault. He was evicted from the house over unpaid rentals,” she said.
Tendai is survived by two children, the eldest currently in Grade 7. His family has announced plans to bury him in Chihota village.
Authorities are appealing to members of the public for any information that may lead to the arrest of Crispen Marara and the individuals involved in the fatal assault.
