Online Reporter
WHAT THE HECK?
ADISPUTE over the playing of gospel songs at a bottle store escalated into a violent stabbing spree, leaving one man dead and three others hospitalised.
A 30-year-old man from Ruwa was fatally stabbed following the altercation at Solomio Park.
The deceased, Tendai Mubiya, was allegedly attacked by Trymore Ndebele (35), who is said to have stabbed him once in the neck with a knife.
The bar owner, Luckmore Kazingizi (28), sustained a deep chest wound, while his friend, Collen Tomu (30), suffered a severe cut on his back.
Ndebele was in the company of his friend Peace Dube (25) during the incident.
The injured victims were rushed to Parirenyatwa Group of Hospitals, where they are currently receiving treatment.
According to an eyewitness, Mubiya had been drinking beer and playing snooker with Ndebele and Dube at Shooters Bottle Store. The two had purchased tokens and were waiting for their turn to play.
Patrons in the bar reportedly complained to the bar attendant, Brenda, about the continuous playing of gospel music, demanding a change in genre. In response, Ndebele and Dube, who had been playing music from their phone via Bluetooth, disconnected their device and stepped outside.
When they returned, a scuffle broke out, drawing in four people. During the chaos, Ndebele allegedly produced a knife and stabbed Mubiya once in the neck. Patrons eventually subdued the suspects, leading to their arrest. — Mashonaland East Bureau
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Man bashes bartender after she withheld US$1 change
A man has been fined US$200 for assaulting a bartender during a dispute over US$1.
Raymond Mabvuramiti (20) was ordered to pay the fine after attacking the bartender, who had refused to give him his US$1 change.
The bartender insisted that Mabvuramiti first settle the US$5 debt he owed her.
Mabvuramiti pleaded guilty when he appeared before magistrate Notebulgar Muchineripi.
“On April 22, 2026, at around 8pm, Mabvuramiti argued with the complainant over US$1 change. The complainant refused to hand it over because the accused owed her US$5. During the argument, Mabvuramiti struck the complainant several times on the face with his bare hands and hit her on the right breast with a wooden stick. The matter was reported to the police, leading to his arrest,” explained prosecutor Nyasha Sesenyai.
Meanwhile, in a separate case, a Nyanga man has been sentenced to nine months in prison after being convicted of assaulting another man who attempted to “poach” his beer at a drinking hall.
Twist Chipunza (32), of Tadoka Village, appeared before Nyanga Magistrate Muchineripi facing one count of assault. He was not legally represented. Chipunza pleaded guilty to assaulting Lincoln Masungo (33), of 941 Nyamhuka Township, Nyanga.
Magistrate Muchineripi sentenced Chipunza to six months in prison for the assault. An additional three months were added due to his prior conviction for assault three years ago, reflecting his history of anger issues.
“In April 2026, at Mangondoza Business Centre, the accused encountered the complainant on his way to the toilet. The complainant asked for beer from the accused, which angered him. Chipunza then pushed the complainant to the ground, causing a cut on the complainant’s forehead,” said prosecutor Sesenyai. — Manicaland Bureau
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Kadoma man butchers pregnant daughter, wife following argument over pension
The City of Kadoma has been left reeling following a horrific domestic tragedy.
A local man reportedly fatally stabbed his nine-month-pregnant daughter before killing his wife.
Obert Namurokosi (45) handed himself over to the police after the heinous attack on his wife, Cynthia (45), and their daughter, Takudzwa (23).
Police spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi said the murders occurred on May 3, 2026 in the Victory Park suburb.
The tragedy followed a domestic dispute a day earlier, which prompted Cynthia to seek refuge at her daughter’s home.
The following morning, Namurokosi, who was armed with a knife, is said to have tracked them down.
“He stabbed his daughter, who was nine months pregnant, multiple times before turning on his wife, whom he stabbed in the neck. Both victims succumbed to their injuries,” Comm Nyathi confirmed.
Neighbours described Namurokosi as habitually abusive.
The suspect also had a history of workplace violence.
He previously attacked a colleague and was ordered to pay US$400 in compensation — a debt he settled by surrendering a refrigerator he shared with his wife.
The motive for the double homicide appears rooted in financial control and marital friction.
Neighbours revealed that Namurokosi recently took early retirement but spent his entire pension alone.
According to reports, Cynthia was a teacher and supported herself.
However, matters came to a head when Obert demanded she take out a bank loan to build a house.
She allegedly refused, arguing they should have used Namurokosi’s pension money instead.
Namurokosi was incensed and became violent, forcing Cynthia to flee to her daughter’s house.
Takudzwa was heavily pregnant and caring for another young child at the time.
Witnesses said on the night before the murders, Namurokosi was seen drinking at a local bar, telling patrons that he and his wife were a “happy couple”.
The next morning, he arrived at his daughter’s house and allegedly butchered his family.
Following the attack, Namurokosi handed himself over at the nearest police station.
“We continue to urge communities to say no to domestic violence and murder. These are preventable tragedies that leave families and society permanently scarred,” said Comm Nyathi. — Mashonaland West Bureau
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Six-year-old gang-raped to death
Police in Bulawayo are investigating a harrowing case in which a six-year-old girl died following an alleged gang rape and assault by three juveniles in the Upper Rangemore suburb.
The young victim reportedly returned
home on the evening of May 4, 2026 complaining of severe pain in her chest, head and private parts.
She informed her mother that three known local boys had dragged her into an abandoned building, where they took turns to rape and beat her with a stick.
Tragically, the child’s condition deteriorated overnight.
She was found dead the following morning.
A police report was subsequently made.
Bulawayo police deputy spokesperson Assistant Inspector Thandekile Ndlovu confirmed the incident and urged parents to be more vigilant.
“We urge parents and guardians to closely monitor the whereabouts of their children at all times,” said Asst Insp Ndlovu.
“Increased parental supervision remains crucial in preventing children from becoming victims of such heinous crimes.” — Bulawayo Bureau
