adminWalter Mswazie Masvingo Correspondent
A 32-YEAR-OLD man from Masvingo’s Chief Chikwanda in Morgenster area is battling for his life at Masvingo General Hospital after a fellow villager allegedly ripped open his stomach with an Okapi knife following an argument over a $1 debt.
Masvingo police spokesperson Inspector Charity Mazula on Friday confirmed the incident that happened on Wednesday at around 7pm.
“I confirm receiving a case of attempted murder involving two villagers at Chief Chikwanda area. The suspect is in police custody assisting with investigations. He will appear in court soon facing charges of attempted murder,” said Insp Mazula.
She narrated how Lloyd Nzvinginyira, 32, of Mudare Village was stabbed in the stomach with an Okapi knife over a debt.
Insp Mazula said on Wednesday at around 6:30PM, Nzvinginyira proceeded to Gopoza Business Centre in the company of a 13-year-old boy of the same area.
Upon arrival at the business centre he met Samson Chikwe Bongi, 28, of the same village.
“When the two met, Bongi demanded the $1 that Nzvinginyira owed him. Nzvinginyira told him that he had no money on him after which a misunderstanding ensued,” said Insp Mazula.
She said Nzvinginyira’s response did not go down well with Bongi who spat in the former’s face and the two engaged in a fist fight.
Nzvinginyira threw a punch at Bongi but he was overpowered and patrons at the business centre managed to restrain them from fighting.
After they were restrained, the pair exchanged harsh words until a villager Charles Ndedza, 28, of Mirirani Village took Bongi to his homestead.
Insp Mazula said when Bongi arrived home he took an Okapi knife and headed to Nzvinginyira’s homestead.
“Nzvinginyira spotted Bongi approaching from a distance of about 100m and went to meet him. When the two were closer, Bongi drew a knife before stabbing Nzvinginyira in the abdomen leaving him lying in a pool of blood with his intestines protruding before he disappeared into darkness,” she said.
She said Ndedza, Trynos Mandizvidza, 22, and the boy rendered first aid and successfully put back the intestines before rushing Nzvinginyira to Zano Clinic where he was referred to Morgenster Mission Hospital before being further transferred to Masvingo General Hospital.
Police said his condition was critical.
“A manhunt was launched leading to the arrest of Bingo yesterday (Thursday) around 6pm. We urge members of the public not to resort to violence when having disputes.
“They should seek counselling from elders, traditional leaders or the police as violence will lead to loss of precious lives,” said Insp Mazula.
Online Reporter