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Whinsley Masara
A-39-YEAR-OLD man from Plumtree died at his home two weeks after a rival assaulted him during a beer brawl where he lost four front teeth.
Police in Matabeleland South said they were now treating the case as murder and were embarking on fresh investigations.
Shepherd Tshabangu of Makumbi Village, under Chief Masendu in Madlambuzi died last Thursday after his condition deteriorated as a result of the assault.
He bled from the nose and was complaining of headaches resulting in his death at around 6pm on that day.
The matter was reported to the police who attended the scene and investigations revealed that the deceased was once assaulted by Urgent Ndlovu (27) of Mambo Village on January 14 and lost four front teeth.
The suspect was arrested for assault and was sentenced to four months imprisonment. Further investigations revealed that on January 25, the now deceased was medically examined at Plumtree District Hospital and he was treated and discharged.
A medical report was compiled indicating no potential danger to life.
Matabeleland South police spokesperson Chief Inspector Philisani Ndebele confirmed the incident.
He said the post mortem had revealed that the now deceased had died due to the assault and so they had started on fresh investigations.
“We are investigating a murder case where a man was assaulted and died two weeks later. His condition deteriorated and he bled from the nose, complaining of headaches.
“The body was conveyed to United Bulawayo Hospitals for post mortem which has indicated that he died as a result of the assault,” said Chief Insp Ndebele.
Chief Insp Ndebele warned the public against violence saying they should learn to resolve their differences amicably.
“Police are appealing to people to solve their differences amicably and not to resort to violence.
“When in disputes, it’s wise to engage third parties and avoid acting on instant instincts which result in violence,” he said.
In August 2018, Innocent Mashindi (24) from Beitbridge died at the intensive care unit of Harare Central Hospital two weeks after a rival allegedly struck him with a stone during a beer brawl.
He was transferred to Beitbridge District Hospital from Nottingham Clinic, but due to his worsening condition, was later transferred to Harare Central Hospital where he died.
derick.khumalo