Zimpapers Logo

Walter Mswazie Masvingo Correspondent
A MAN from Chiredzi was killed and eaten by a pack of hyenas while coming from a bottle store, police confirmed yesterday. Harik Mapiko, 47, of Village 9, Crown Range under Chief Tshovani, was last spotted on Tuesday at around 11PM at Gwaranda Business Centre drinking beer with other patrons only for his remains comprising a head and lower limbs to be found in the bush on the following morning.

Some hyena spoors and a cellphone were seen beside the remains.

Police said Mapiko had some marks on him suggesting that the deceased had struggled with the wild animal/s before he was overpowered.

Masvingo police spokesperson, Inspector Charity Mazula said Mapiko’s remains were discovered on Wednesday at around 7.40AM.

Benson Chando told The Chronicle the remains were discovered by a villager who was going to a nearby secondary school to register for her son’s examinations.

“Esther Zimano, 35, of the same village, was walking to Crown Range Secondary School along a footpath that passes through a thicket when she stumbled on the remains of a human being. The remains comprised a head and lower legs. Besides the remains there was a cellphone,” he said.

Chando said Zimano rushed to the school where she was heading and informed the headmaster, Edison Timitiyo who then reported the matter to the police in Chiredzi and the Parks and Wildlife Management Authority.

“After informing the school head, other villagers were also notified of the incident. Police attended the scene together with villagers including members of Gonarezhou National Park who told us that the spoors belonged to a hyena,” he said.

Chando said the remains were positively identified as belonging to Mapiko by his wife, Esinathi Mavesere, 31.

He said a neighbourhood watch committee (NWC) member, Pedzisai Zishiri, 36, of Village 4 Crown Range, confirmed that he had last seen the deceased at Gwaranda Business Centre drinking beer. Zishiri said he saw Mapiko heading towards his homestead at around 11PM.

Insp Mazula said Mapiko’s remains were taken to Chiredzi Hospital mortuary.