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Gibson Mhaka
NJENGU, a cheap and easy-to-find illicit drink with the chilling nickname “sip of death,” always lives up to its name. It’s more than just a derogatory term.
This is because after the consumption of njengu (hot stuff) one fails to exercise self-control and drinking subsequently ceases to be a merry-making pastime but instead, creates fertile ground for conflict and escalation of violence.
Njengu is a street term for illicit alcoholic spirits produced illegally, both within and outside Zimbabwe, bypassing the approved and regulated production processes of registered and legitimate manufacturers. The alcohol does not comply with standards that ensure the quality and safety of products.
Exemplifying this danger is a recent case from Mpoengs, Matabeleland South Province where a 24-year-old man from Keme Village under Chief Tshitshi allegedly stabbed his 21-year-old friend to death in a dispute fuelled by njengu.
Hanani Evans Moyo allegedly stabbed his friend Pride Muzi Ndlovu for reportedly hiding the last bottle of brandy out of the four they had been drinking before heading home. Incensed by Pride’s refusal to share the last bottle of brandy they planned for a nightcap, Moyo plunged an okapi into Pride’s thighs.
Ndlovu, who bled profusely later died as a result of the frenzied stabbing.
According to reports, on 16 April 2024, at around 6pm, Moyo and the deceased were drinking beer at Keme Business Centre together with Mondi Ndebele and Thembinkosi Ncube.
After the business closed at around 8 pm, the four went to buy alcohol from Sibongile Mpofu’s homestead, which operates as a shebeen. On their way, Moyo contributed R20, and Ncube contributed R10 to purchase bottles of brandy.
Upon reaching Mpofu’s homestead, the deceased entered alone, while Moyo, Ncube and Ndebele waited outside. He returned and surrendered only three bottles of brandy, holding back the fourth bottle, to which he had also contributed.
The four sat down a few metres from the homestead and started drinking. When asked to share the fourth bottle, the now-deceased refused. As they made their way back, the four made a stop at Sergeant Ngwenya’s homestead to buy cigarettes.
Upon reaching the homestead, Ncube entered alone, leaving Moyo, Ndebele, and the now deceased outside. Moyo confronted the now-deceased about the remaining bottle of brandy, but he refused to share it.
Infuriated by his refusal, he allegedly took out an okapi knife and plunged it twice into his thighs, once on the left and once on the right. The now-deceased fell to the ground while writhing in agony.
Seeing him writhing in agony and cry for help, Moyo fled the scene, leaving Ndebele behind. Ndebele then sprinted to Ngwenya’s homestead, where he found Ncube and reported the incident.
The three hurried to the scene, where they found the now-deceased lying face-down.
Flashing their phone lights, they discovered that he was still conscious but bleeding heavily from both wounds.
Tragically, he died a few hours later. Ngwenya reported the incident to the police, who apprehended Moyo and recovered a silver okapi knife from the crime scene.
Moyo has since appeared before Plumtree magistrate Joshua Nembaware charged with murder. He was not asked to plead and was remanded in custody until 2 May. The magistrate advised him to apply for bail at the High Court. Selestine Madziwa appeared for the State.
Meanwhile, concerns are mounting over the proliferation of illicit drugs and the worsening abuse of illicit alcoholic brews among young people.
The consumption of these substances is linked to a rise in health problems and criminal activity among young people.
Online Reporter