Online Reporter
Mthokozisi Ncube
A BULAWAYO man is on the run after allegedly axing his friend who was demanding US$20 that he had owed for almost a year.
Police have launched a manhunt for Nqobile Ndiweni, who attacked Mlungisi Ndlovu (40) at Manwele Market in Mzilikazi on 1 July.
Ndlovu approached Ndiweni demanding the return of US$20 that had allegedly been owed to him since August last year.
He told B-Metro that the debt arose after Ndiweni borrowed his cellphone but later claimed it had been lost by his younger brother.
“He told me his young brother had lost my phone and promised to pay me US$20 to replace it. Since last August I have been asking him for my money,” said Ndlovu.
On the day of the incident, Ndlovu said he only wanted part of the money so he could buy relish for his family.
“I wasn’t even demanding all the money. I just asked him to give me at least one dollar because I wanted to buy relish,” he said.
Ndiweni responded by throwing his own cellphone at Ndlovu’s feet and telling him to take it instead.
The argument continued before Ndiweni picked up his phone and walked away.
However, moments later, Ndiweni returned armed with a small metal axe.
“He suddenly struck me twice on the forehead with the back of the axe before fleeing from the scene,” said Ndlovu.
He said he remembers very little after the attack.
“I just remember him coming back. After that everything went dark. I woke up at Mpilo (Central) Hospital.”
He sustained two deep cuts to the left side of his forehead and was admitted to Mpilo Central Hospital, where he remained until 4 July. Ndlovu said he is still struggling to understand why the disagreement escalated into violence.
“I never expected him to attack me like that over money he owed me. People later told me they had heard he had fought with his wife before he came and attacked me, but I don’t know if that’s true,” he said.
Confirming the incident, Bulawayo police spokesperson Inspector Nomalanga Msebele appealed to anyone with information that may lead to the arrest of Nqobile Ndiweni to report to the nearest police station.
