Bluetooth speaker dispute turns deadly: Man sentenced to 25 years

A 24-year-old man from Shurugwi has been sentenced to 25 years imprisonment by the High Court Circuit sitting at Gweru, after he murdered a fellow patron in a dispute over a Bluetooth speaker.

In a statement, the National Prosecuting Authority of Zimbabwe revealed that Tatenda Hove was found guilty of murdering 22-year-old Pardon Vengai.

The incident took place on 6 November 2024 at Danga Bar in Chachacha.
“The deceased, Pardon Vengai, was playing music on a Bluetooth speaker with Prince Vengai and Tawanda Manuwere when Hove, accompanied by Tapia Chitenga (who is still at large), arrived and forcibly took the speaker. When the deceased attempted to reclaim his speaker, he was slapped multiple times by Chitenga.
“The pair exited the bar with the speaker and the deceased followed, asking for his speaker. A confrontation ensued and the offender drew a Columbia knife and stabbed the now deceased in the back as he attempted to flee. The victim collapsed after running a short distance. He was rushed to Zvamavonde Hospital and then transferred to Gweru Provincial Hospital, where he passed away on 8 November 2024,” reads the statement.
Hove was arrested on 9 November 2024 and later convicted of murder.