Online Reporter
Patrick Chitumba
A PETTY argument over a torch ended with a miner being fatally stabbed at Makende Business Centre in Silobela.
Police say 22-year-old Lifa Matare is in custody after allegedly stabbing fellow artisanal miner Joseph Dube (19) multiple times with a homemade knife on Saturday night.
Midlands Provincial police spokesperson Inspector Emmanuel Mahoko confirmed the gruesome incident, which happened around 8:30PM.
“The now deceased Joseph Dube, his brother Pride (23) and the suspect Matare were drinking beer at Makende Business Centre. They picked an argument over Matare’s failure to bring back Joseph’s torch which he had borrowed,” said Insp Mahoko.
The row, which started as light banter, quickly turned ugly as tempers flared. Witnesses say Matare, who appeared intoxicated, reached for a homemade knife tucked in his waistband and repeatedly stabbed Joseph in a fit of rage.
The teenager collapsed in a pool of blood as stunned patrons screamed for help. Matare reportedly bolted from the scene, leaving behind chaos and shock.
“A report was made to the police who attended the scene and ferried Joseph to Silobela Hospital, but he was pronounced dead on arrival,” said Insp Mahoko.
Police later tracked down Matare, who was hiding in a nearby bush, and arrested him. He is assisting investigators with the murder case.
Insp Mahoko urged members of the public to resolve disputes peacefully and avoid carrying dangerous weapons to drinking spots.
“This case shows how quickly a minor disagreement can turn deadly when people mix alcohol and weapons,” Insp Mahoko warned.
