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Deadly twist in dispute over farmer's missing sheep

A farmer is to face homicide charges after he allegedly stabbed to death a police officer and two others during a dispute over a missing sheep.

Zhang Shuwei, an officer of 27 years, was killed on October 9 after he responded to reports of a dispute between two farmers, one who was claiming to have found his missing sheep on the other farmer’s property in the northern Chinese city of Hohhot in Inner Mongolia.

The accused attacker, farmer Ma Mougui, 63, was allegedly unhappy with the actions of police and their mediation process following what he believed was the theft of the sheep.

The farmer was enraged after he found one of his sheep on a neighbouring farmer's property. Source: Getty, file.
The farmer was enraged after he found one of his sheep on a neighbouring farmer's property. Source: Getty, file.

During discussions, the other farmer Wang Mousheng, 49, released Ma’s sheep, prompting Ma to pull out a knife and allegedly stab Wang, Hohhot News Network reported.

Zhang, 48, attempted to step in but was allegedly stabbed as well. Both men died from their injuries.

Ma allegedly stabbed three other people present during the altercation, one of whom later died en route to hospital.

Ma was arrested and detained, with the Wuchuan County Procuratorate confirming on Thursday Ma will face intentional homicide charges, The Paper reported.

Zhang Shuwei (left) arrived at the farm (right) after reports of a dispute. Source: Hohhot News/ Xiangjiao News
Zhang Shuwei (left) arrived at the farm (right) after reports of a dispute. Source: Hohhot News/ Xiangjiao News
Scores of Zhang's colleagues attended his remembrance service. Source: Hohhot Public Bureau
Scores of Zhang's colleagues attended his remembrance service. Source: Hohhot Public Bureau

On Monday, Zhang was farewelled by thousands in Hohhot as people lined the streets for his funeral procession.

Emotional colleagues and family members filled the memorial hall while he was was praised for his loyalty, bravery and tenacity during his time with the police force.

Zhang was a deputy director of the Ermenzi Township Police Station, with a member of staff in the town’s administration saying he was well respected in the community.

“The things we think are little things are big things in the minds of the people’" Zhang’s colleague Zhang Le told Hohhot News Network.

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