Question: The axe brute's arm came down hard, numbing Jon's shoulder.
The axe brute's strike came brutally, causing Jon's shoulder to go numb.

Answer: yes

Question: A journey to Perakiaakes the traveler into what once was the key region for Malaysia's economic proserity, standing as a lure to powerful states and interests as well as (mostly Chinese) migrant workers.
The mostly Chinese migrant workers were working illegally.

Answer: it is not possible to tell

Question: Those witnesses were mistaken. I was puzzled.
The witnesses made an error.

Answer:
yes