Chronicle EditorWhinsley Masara, Chronicle Reporter
A MAN from Bulawayo died on the spot after he was allegedly struck on the head with a blunt object during a misunderstanding while drinking beer in Richmond suburb.
Dumisani Ngulube (36), who was employed as a domestic worker at a house in the suburb, was allegedly attacked by Harrison Tembo (43) who is popularly known as ‘Phiri’ in the area.
The two were involved in an argument as they were drinking beer at around 10AM on Sunday outside a bar at Richmond Shopping Centre. Tembo has since been arrested.
Bulawayo police spokesperson Inspector Precious Simango confirmed the alleged murder.
“We are investigating a case of murder. A 36-year-old man from Richmond suburb is suspected to have been killed by another patron following a misunderstanding,” said Insp Simango.
“We urge members of the public to avoid engaging in unnecessary arguments which in most cases result in violence. When caught up in a misunderstanding, it’s always best to walk away than to fight as violence does not solve problems,” she said.
Said a patron and witness, Mr Meli Moyo: “We did not see what weapon Phiri used as we had ignored them after they wouldn’t stop arguing. In a blink of an eye, we saw Ngulube on the ground, bleeding profusely from the head. He sustained two deep cuts in the head and died on the spot.”
The Chronicle visited the family which was gathered at Ngulube’s employer’s home in Richmond yesterday.
His aunt, Mrs Sifelani Dube (63), said Ngulube died a violent death.
“The suspect was arrested on Tuesday but what shocked us most was that he had actually managed to go to the bars to drink beer after killing someone. On Sunday after the incident and on Monday, he actually continued throughout the day to drink beer without any remorse.
“He only thought of sending people to come and apologise to us later on Tuesday. We feel he has no remorse and we are hurt that even witnesses who were at the site when the incident happened won’t even tell us the truth of what happened. Many say they just saw him lying on the ground, bleeding from the head following a misunderstanding with Phiri,” she said.
Mrs Dube said witnesses were not coming forward.
“It is clear to us that he was struck with an object on the head but we can’t say what exactly the weapon was. He was left lying in the scorching sun for over two hours before police arrived at the scene,” she said.
@winnie_masara
Bongani Ndlovu
Online Reporter