Online Reporter
Tendai Gukutikwa
Post Reporter
A 34-YEAR-OLD Chipinge man has appeared before the Chipinge Magistrates’ Court facing murder charges after he allegedly fatally assaulted a woman during a violent altercation at a local nightclub. Witon Dhasayi of Maronga Village, was arraigned before Ms Tariro Hove on allegations that he attacked and killed 25-year-old Patricia Sithole following a dispute over beer.
He was charged with murder as defined in the Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Act (Chapter 9:23). Public prosecutor, Isaac Tangwena is representing the State in the matter.
According to the court papers, the incident occurred on August 7, at around 10pm at Mabidoo Night Club in Chipinge, where Dhasayi was drinking beer with two other patrons.
“During the drinking session, one of the men reportedly offered Sithole a beer. Dhasayi allegedly became enraged, claiming that the beer belonged to him and refused to share it. He allegedly slapped Sithole, before dragging her to a corner of the nightclub where he kicked and shoved her.
“A scuffle broke out between the two, during which Sithole bit off part of Dhasayi’s left ear as she attempted to defend herself.
She fled from the scene and ran outside the bar. However, Dhasayi allegedly pursued her, dragged her back to the veranda of the nightclub and continued assaulting her,” said Tangwena.
He further alleged that in a fit of rage, Dhasayi smashed a windowpane, grabbed a piece of glass and stabbed Sithole in the stomach.
He is further accused of hitting her on the head with an empty beer bottle in full view of other patrons.
Alarmed witnesses quickly intervened and restrained him before the situation escalated further.
“Sithole, who was bleeding profusely, was rushed to St Peter’s Mission Hospital before being transferred to Victoria Chitepo Provincial Hospital due to the severity of her injuries. Despite efforts to save her life, she died later that same day from the stab wound and head injuries she had sustained. Police investigations led to Dhasayi’s arrest
shortly after the incident,” he said.
Tangwena also told the court that Dhasayi acted with the actual intent to kill or, at the very least, realising the risk or possibility that his conduct could cause death, went ahead with the assault regardless.
Ms Hove remanded Dhasayi in custody to August 28 for routine remand.
He was advised Dhasayi to apply for bail at the High Court since murder is a capital offence.
