Online Reporter
Patrick Chitumba, Midlands Bureau
A tragic incident in Gweru has left residents in shock after a 22-year-old man unknowingly drove his dying friend home, thinking he was merely unconscious from drinking.
According to Midlands Provincial Police Spokesperson, Inspector Emmanuel Mahoko, the incident occurred in the early hours of Monday after a night out at The Barn nightclub.
The deceased, Panashe Mashate (38), was allegedly stabbed while trying to stop a fight between his friend, Munashe Magura, and another man.
“The incident happened while they were drinking beer at The Barn nightclub in Gweru. Mashate saw Magura quarrelling with another man over some ice blocks and tried to intervene. The other man fled the scene,” said Insp Mahoko.
After the altercation, the two friends decided to go home in Mashate’s vehicle.
“The now deceased became unconscious while seated on the driver’s seat. Magura assumed his friend had passed out due to intoxication, so he moved him to the passenger’s seat and drove to Clifton Park, where they both stay,” said Insp Mahoko.
Upon arrival, Magura noticed blood stains on his trousers and tried to wake Mashate, who was unresponsive and bleeding from the stomach.
Police were called to the scene and confirmed that Mashate had died from a stab wound. His body was taken to Gweru Provincial Hospital mortuary for post-mortem.
Investigations into the matter are ongoing.
