The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) has raised concerns over a spate of murders linked to disputes at beer-drinking venues across the country.
ZRP spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi on Tuesday, 09 December, said the incidents, which have occurred over the past week, highlight the dangers of petty arguments escalating into fatal confrontations.
On 1 December, 29-year-old Taurai Hungwe was stabbed in the chest with an okapi knife by a suspect known only as Prosper during an altercation at a nightclub in Beitbridge. Hungwe was rushed to Beitbridge District Hospital but succumbed to his injuries on 3 December. The suspect remains at large.
Three days later, 27-year-old Kudakwashe Mudyanevana was struck on the head with an axe at a bottle store in Claremont Business Centre, Fort Rixon. The attack, carried out by a suspect identified as Tshuks and four accomplices, resulted in Mudyanevana’s death while he was being taken to Filabusi Hospital. Police are yet to apprehend the suspects.
On 5 December, Leonard Chidhoma (45) was attacked by two unidentified assailants at Chibhabhawabha, Battlefields. The suspects accused Chidhoma of spreading falsehoods about them. His body was later found in his room on 6 December.
In Bulawayo on 7 December, 26-year-old Mongiwehtu Godnows Dube was killed following a confrontation with Keith Dube at a sports bar in Magwegwe North, stemming from an earlier incident involving spilt beer during a snooker game.
On the same day, Tinotenda Gibson Madanhire (26) allegedly struck 52-year-old Richard Sibanda several times on the head with a stone during a dispute while drinking at a funeral in Mantiya Village, Lower Gweru. Sibanda later died from his injuries. Madanhire has been arrested.
Commissioner Nyathi urged the public to exercise restraint, resolve disputes peacefully, and avoid violence.
He appealed to citizens to promote responsible behaviour and promptly report any suspicious or unruly conduct to the police.
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