Online Reporter
Fairness Moyana in Hwange
A beer-drinking dispute at a local shopping centre in Lupane turned fatal after a 24-year-old man was stabbed to death following a confrontation with a fellow patron, police have confirmed.
The deceased has been identified as Mr Thamsanqa Moyo, of Similo Ndlovu’s homestead in Mkarabuli Village, Chief Mabhikwa, Lupane District.
The suspect, Joseph Dube, of the same village, is on the run, and police have launched a manhunt.
According to police, the incident occurred on December 22, 2025 at around 5pm at Matabele Shop, Lupane, where the two men were drinking beer.
Trouble began when the suspect allegedly forcibly grabbed Mr Moyo’s beer and attempted to flee. Mr Moyo reportedly chased after him and reclaimed his drink, angering the suspect.
Police allege that Dube then produced an okapi knife from his pocket. Mr Moyo attempted to escape but was allegedly caught by the suspect, who stabbed him once on the left shoulder and once on the right thigh.
A bystander intervened and managed to disarm the suspect, who then fled the scene. Mr Moyo, who had sustained deep stab wounds, was rushed to Gomoza Clinic. He however, died on arrival at the health facility.
The matter was reported to ZRP Lupane who attended the scene. The deceased’s body was taken to St Luke’s Hospital mortuary before being transferred to Bulawayo United Hospitals for a post-mortem. Confirming the incident, Matabeleland North provincial police spokesperson Inspector Glory Banda said a murder case is under investigation following a fatal stabbing in Lupane.
“We confirm a case of murder in which a 24-year-old man was stabbed to death at Matabele Shop in Lupane following a dispute,” he said.
“Investigations are still underway, and the suspect is on the run. We urge members of the public not to resort to violence when resolving disputes,” said Insp Banda.
