Danisa Masuku, [email protected]
A MAN who shot dead a patron following a heated argument at a nightclub in Filabusi has been sentenced to 23 years in prison.
Takeknowledge Mtombeni was sentenced yesterday by Bulawayo High Court judge Justice Munamato Mutevedzi, who condemned his reckless use of a firearm in a public place.
In passing sentence, Justice Mutevedzi said Mtombeni had shown little regard for human life when he opened fire, adding that it was fortunate that no other people were killed.
“The offender is very reckless and does not value the sanctity of life. He opened fire at a public place. It was due to sheer luck that more people did not die and the court does not condone such uncouth behaviour,” said Justice Mutevedzi.
The judge also said the offence was premeditated, noting that Mtombeni had planned and carefully executed the shooting before fleeing the scene.
“The offender planned to commit the offence and executed it carefully. After committing the crime he ran away and was later caught,” he said.
Prosecuting, Ms Tarisai Mutarisi told the court that on 25 December 2023, at around 1.30am, the now-deceased, Victor Mafu, was at 727 Nightclub in Filabusi playing snooker.
“He failed to locate his snooker token that he had placed on the table and in a fit of rage he took the snooker white ball and went out of the bar,” she said.
The court heard that a security guard at the nightclub, Vengai Shoko, tried to persuade the now-deceased to leave the ball behind, but he refused.
Mtombeni, who was parked in front of the shop, then ran to his car and fetched a firearm.
He approached the guard and Mafu before shooting the latter in the head, accusing him of failing to co-operate with the security guard.
Mtombeni fled from the scene in his Toyota Fun Cargo vehicle.
Investigations later led to his arrest.
