Online Reporter
Patrick Chitumba, [email protected]
A NIGHT of banter, drinks and laughter at Deo Night Club in Mberengwa, Midlands Province, turned tragic when a joke about contracting a sexually transmitted infection from a sex worker between friends escalated things out of proportion, leading to a fatal stabbing.
Midlands provincial police spokesperson Inspector Emmanuel Mahoko said Elvis Gwatimba (22) lost his life after teasing his friend, Jimson Sibanda (19), about allegedly contracting an STI from a sex worker.
The joke, meant to be light-hearted, sparked a violent reaction from Sibanda, who left the club and returned with a kitchen knife.
“Police confirm a case of murder where a 22-year-old man died upon admission to Mberengwa District Hospital from injuries he sustained after being stabbed with a knife by his friend,” he said.
“The incident happened at Deo Night Club, Yorks Business Centre, Mberengwa, on 25 March 2026 at around 2AM.”
Insp Mahoko said it is alleged that Gwatimba and Sibanda (19) of Village Jiti, Mberengwa were drinking beer together.
“Gwatimba allegedly started teasing the suspect, claiming that he had been infected with a sexually transmitted infection (STI) by a sex worker. This did not go well with the suspect, who then left the nightclub,” he said.
Insp Mahoko said Sibanda allegedly returned after an hour, called Gwatimba to a secluded place where he stabbed him with a kitchen knife on the chest.
Gwatimba fell down unconscious and was transported to Mberengwa District Hospital by well-wishers.
“Police preliminary investigations led to the arrest of suspect, Jimson Sibanda at a relative’s home at Village Munyamana, Chief Mapiravana, Mberengwa,” he said.
Insp Mahoko said the kitchen knife was recovered and is being held as an exhibit.
“Sibanda now awaits trial for murder once investigations are completed. Once again, we urge members of the public to desist from resorting to violence when resolving disputes to avoid unnecessary loss of lives,” he said.
Bongani Ndlovu