THREE women who were fatally shot allegedly by a soldier
who later turned the gun on himself in a suicide attempt in New Magwegwe suburb
in Bulawayo last week, were buried side-by-side at West Park Cemetery yesterday.
Carlos Tinashe Chapeyema (23) who is based in Gweru and
attached to the Zimbabwe National Army Infantry Battalion Brigade at
Battlefields, Kwekwe, allegedly shot dead his wife, Ashley Phiri (21) and her
siblings, Nkosivumile Ncube (16) and Rita Nkomo (23) at his in-laws’ house in
New Magwegwe suburb in the early hours of last Wednesday.
Family members said the killings were connected to long
standing disputes which include infidelity accusations.
Carlos also shot his 18-month old daughter, Tlowi Chapeyema
resulting in her sustaining serious injuries.
Speaking during a funeral at the Roman Catholic Church in
Magwegwe suburb, a relative to the deceased only identified as Mrs R Ndlovu,
Phiri and Nkomo had each left behind two children, while Ncube finished Form
Four last year.
“Both Phiri and Nkomo left behind two children each. Ncube
had just written her Ordinary Levels and awaited her results. She died on the
day that she had just collected her national identity card,” said Mrs Ndlovu.
The burials which were scheduled for Monday, were postponed
to yesterday following the in-laws’ demand to be paid $12 000 for funeral
expenses.
Sources said the in-laws were insisting on the payment
before burials could take place.
Both families declined to comment on the payments.
A relative said the two families were expected to meet
after the burials to discuss the issue of lobola and compensation for the
killings.
The soldier’s father, Mr Jeremiah Chapeyema yesterday said
he was relieved that the shooting victims had been buried. He said the incident
was the saddest and hardest experience in his life.
Mr Chapeyema said Carlos and Tlowi were both recovering in
hospital and he would visit them after the burials.
Last Friday, Carlos was remanded in custody to February 16
on his hospital bed at Mpilo Central Hospital by Bulawayo magistrate Mr
Franklin Mkhwananzi.
He was advised to apply for bail at the High Court.
Carlos who is now out of the Intensive Care Unit, is under
police and military guard.
Prosecuting, Mr Mclean Ndlovu said on February 1 this year,
Carlos went to his wife’s home armed with an AK 47 assault rifle, which was
loaded with 20 rounds. He allegedly knocked on the door demanding that she
opens it.
“When the door was eventually opened, Carlos stormed into
the house and allegedly fired randomly killing his wife Phiri and her siblings,
Nkomo and Ncube. He also allegedly shot and seriously injured his daughter,
Tlowi,” said Mr Ndlovu.
New Magwegwe Residents’ Association chairperson Mr Philip
Karanda it was a relief that the bereaved family and that of Carlos were
dealing with the issue in a peaceful manner.
“The families discussed and agreed to something and burial
proceeded. We have laid them to rest and we pray for them, hoping they rest in
peace,” he said. Chronicle
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