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Whinsley Masara, Chronicle Reporter
FIVE men armed with machetes, axes and knives, who were on a revenge mission, brutally attacked a 63-year-old man and left him for dead after failing to locate his sons whom they “wanted to kill.”

Jealous Dube of Nyandeni Farm in Matobo District was allegedly axed by Nkosilathi Mlilo (30) and four unidentified accomplices in a midnight raid on Saturday.

Police have arrested Mlilo while his partners in crime are on the run.

The heavily armed suspects allegedly invaded Dube’s home looking for his two sons, Prince and Proud.

They allegedly threatened to kill the two and turned on their father when they realised they were not at the homestead.

Dube was rushed to the United Bulawayo Hospitals where he has been admitted.

A source said the five armed men arrived at Dube’s home while he sat outside and demanded to see his sons.

“They claimed that they had to come to deal with his sons once and for all. They said Prince and Proud once attacked Nkosilathi and Joseph Ncube who wasn’t part of the gang.

“When Dube told them that they were both not home, they got angry. One of them drew an axe and hit Dube on the head. He slashed him once in the head before they fled from the scene,” said the source.

Matabeleland South police spokesperson Inspector Philisani Ndebele said police were investigating the case.

“We are investigating a case of attempted murder. A 63-year-old man from Nyandeni Farm was allegedly axed. Police have since arrested one of the assailants who was identified. The suspect is helping police with investigations,” said Insp Ndebele.

He said police were concerned about the escalating violence as lives were being lost unnecessarily.

“We urge members of the public to avoid engaging in unnecessary arguments which in most cases result in violence. When caught up in a misunderstanding, it’s always best to walk away than to fight as violence does not solve problems.

“It is unbelievable how people seem to prefer taking the law into their own hands, resorting to violence in revenge, yet this only lands them in jail. When in disputes, people should engage third parties who include police, church elders or other family members,” Insp Ndebele said.—@winnie_masara.