Chitungwiza Man Faces Murder Charge After Alleged Self-Defense Incident Sparks Outrage

Benson Macharangwanda, a 22-year-old Chitungwiza resident, faces murder charges following a deadly altercation with an alleged intruder. The incident occurred in the early hours of December 2.

Court records reveal the confrontation began when an anti-theft alarm on Macharangwanda’s phone alerted him. The alarm, triggered by an alleged theft, awakened him around 4:30 AM.

Prosecutors allege the accused pursued the intruder, whose identity remains undisclosed, after discovering his phone was missing. The device reportedly contained $250 in its pouch.

Guided by the alarm, Macharangwanda confronted the alleged thief and demanded his phone. The intruder claimed it had fallen in his room, escalating the tense situation.

Accompanying the man to retrieve his phone, Macharangwanda reportedly faced resistance. A scuffle ensued when the intruder brandished a knife and attempted to attack.

The accused, warned by his landlady’s timely shout, evaded the knife strike. He recovered his phone from the intruder’s clothing amidst the struggle, according to court documents.

After escorting the burglar outside, the man began complaining about injuries sustained during the confrontation. Family members took him to Chitungwiza Hospital.

Tragically, the alleged intruder was pronounced dead upon arrival at the medical facility, leading to Macharangwanda’s arrest and subsequent murder charge.

Legal proceedings have remanded Macharangwanda in custody, pending a High Court indictment. Prosecutors allege his actions contributed to the death, raising complex legal questions.

The case, now under review by the National Prosecuting Authority, centers on self-defense and the proportionality of force used during the incident.

Many Zimbabweans have expressed outrage, describing the charge as an injustice. Social media users have shared their opinions, calling for a fair investigation into the matter.

Some believe the court should consider the self-defense argument. Others caution that an excessive response could lead to a manslaughter conviction.

As the trial progresses, it continues to draw widespread attention, highlighting ongoing debates around self-defense laws and the rights of individuals to protect themselves.

Updates on the High Court proceedings are awaited, with Zimbabweans closely watching the outcome and its implications for similar cases in the future.