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Sukulwenkosi Dube-Matutu, Gwanda Correspondent
A 17-YEAR-OLD Gwanda teenager fatally struck his 20-year-old neighbour with a log on the head accusing him of gossiping about him.
Matabeleland South provincial police spokesperson Inspector Philani Ndebele said the teenager who cannot be named for ethical reasons struck Nqobile Bhebhe of Makhokho Village in Guyu on Thursday around 7pm.The teenager who was in the company of his three friends left Bhebhe’s body in the bush after the incident and it was found by a passerby.
“We are investigating a case of murder where a 17-year-old teenager from Guyu in Gwanda struck his neighbour, Nqobile Bhebhe with a log resulting in his death. The teenager was walking along a footpath in a bushy area with his three friends.
“Bhebhe came cycling along the same footpath and as he was about to pass the group, the teenager grabbed the bicycle and ordered him to stop. The teenager accused Bhebhe of gossiping and spreading lies about him in the community,” said the police spokesperson.
Insp Ndebele said the teenager struck Bhebhe with a log on the head and he fell unconscious while his friends continued on their way.
“The teenager left Bhebhe’s body on the ground and it was later found by a passerby but he was already dead. He alerted other villagers and a report was made to the police. The teenager is yet to be arrested and investigations are still underway,” he said.
Insp Ndebele said it remained a cause for concern that a lot of teenagers were engaging in violent behaviour. He said community members should desist from resorting to violence to solve minor issues.
Insp Ndebele also appealed to parents to ensure that they did not expose their children to violent tendencies as they have an influence over their behaviour.-@DubeMatutu
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