Online Reporter
Gibson Mhaka
SHOCKING knife attacks have fuelled worries of an "epidemic" of knife crime, becoming an increasingly pressing concern in the country.
Murder cases are frequently reported, with knives being the prevalent weapon used to settle disputes.
Most killings are committed by close relatives, friends, and lovers during drinking sessions, often over minor disputes that tragically escalate into fatal violence.
A stark example is the fatal killing of an 18-year-old from Mbila Village, under Chief Kandane in Plumtree, Matabeleland South Province.
Doit Ncube, who was reportedly parading a knobkerrie at Mbila Business Centre was allegedly fatally stabbed by Pritchard Nkomo with a knife after ignoring a reprimand against carrying weapons in public.
Prior to this case, numerous incidents have been reported, often involving close relatives, friends, and even lovers, who have resorted to knives to settle seemingly trivial disputes.
These altercations frequently occur during or after drinking sessions, demonstrating a worrying trend of minor disagreements escalating into deadly violence.
The disturbing details of the murder of Doit were revealed during Nkomo’s initial murder trial at the Bulawayo High Court.
According to court documents, on 10 October 2022, at around 9pm, the accused was at Mbila Business Centre, behind Nzingo General Dealer.
The deceased arrived carrying a knobkerrie and stood about two metres away from where the accused was seated with other villagers.
Nearby individuals reprimanded the deceased for carrying a weapon at the business centre and instructed him to go home. However, the deceased refused and instead walked away.
The accused allegedly followed the deceased, and they continued speaking out of earshot of the others.
Suddenly, the accused withdrew a knife from his right trouser pocket, opened it, and stabbed the deceased once in the neck.
The deceased held the bleeding wound and staggered towards the front of Nzingo General Dealer, where he collapsed and died.
The accused fled from the shops but was pursued and apprehended by villagers.
The incident was reported to the police to the arrest of the accused and the blood-stained knife was recovered.
