Moffat Mungazi
Liberty Dube
Post Correspondent
TWO suspects — Forget Mutepfa (35) and Greater Mateta (29) — are currently being held at remand prison awaiting trial for allegedly assaulting and cutting the tongue of Honest Kokota (31), of Burma Valley, in November last year.
The suspects reportedly manhandled Kokota, mutilated his tongue, and fled with part of it, sparking suspicions of a ritual attack.
Mutepfa and Mateta spent the entire festive season in custody.
They recently appeared before Mutare magistrate, Mr Xavier Chipato, facing assault charges as defined in Section 89 (1) (a) of the Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Act, Chapter 9:23. The duo was further remanded in custody until January 14.
Kokota narrowly escaped death after being brutally attacked by four individuals, two of whom remain unknown.
The assailants accused Kokota of dating one of the suspects’ ex-girlfriends.
A few hours prior to the incident, Kokota had been socialising with the attackers at Chitakatira Business Centre.
The shocking incident sparked widespread discussion in Chitakatira and Burma Valley, particularly regarding the suspects’ alleged disappearance with Kokota’s severed tongue, which led to suspicions of a ritual attack.
Notably, the suspects did not steal any of Kokota’s belongings, including the mobile phone he was holding.
The court heard that on November 20, 2024, around 10pm, the two accused individuals, accompanied by two others still at large, followed Kokota as he left Chitakatira Business Centre.
Mutepfa, one of the suspects, accused Kokota of dating Mateta’s ex-girlfriend.
The accused allegedly grabbed Kokota, and held his hands while one of them used an unknown object to sever his tongue.
Kokota suffered severe tongue mutilation and was rushed to Victoria Chitepo Provincial Hospital.
Meanwhile, Kokota shared his recovery progress in an interview this week.
He expressed gratitude to the medical team and his family for their care and support during the challenging time.
“I am recovering quickly and making steady progress each day. The medication has been effective, and I am feeling better with time.
‘‘I appreciate the support from the medical team, family, and friends, who have all contributed significantly to my healing,” he said.
Although Kokota has not fully recovered, he can now speak clearly.
However, he remains concerned about regaining the use of his tongue.
“I hope to regain the use of my tongue, but I don’t know when or if it will happen. It is my heartfelt wish to have it back,” said Kokota.
