‘Murder’ in spilt beer row

Sharon Chiware, Midlands Reporter
A 29-YEAR-OLD man from Shurugwi allegedly smashed a bottle on a fellow patron’s head leading to his death after accusing him of spilling his beer.

Tendai Manjoma (29) of Sherwood farm pleaded not guilty to one count of murder when he appeared before Shurugwi Magistrate Mr Tavengwa Sangster in connection with the death of Lawrence Chaitezvi (32) last year in November.

Mr Sangster advised him to apply for bail at the High Court and remanded him in custody to September 25.

Prosecuting, Mr Pride Gomera said on November 5 last year, Manjoma and Chaitezvi were drinking beer at Shumba Business Centre in Shurugwi.

The court heard that Chaitezvi went to the bar to collect some beer and on his way out he met Manjoma.

“There arose a verbal altercation between the two after Manjoma had accused Chaitezvi of spilling his beer. Manjoma then tripped Chaitezvi who fell on the veranda floor,” said Mr Gomera.

The court heard Manjoma struck Chaitezvi on the head with a bottle once and the bottle broke into pieces.

He said Chaitezvi staggered towards his home and died before he could reach it.

The court heard that the matter was reported to the police resulting in Chaitezvi’s body being ferried to the United Bulawayo Hospitals (UBH) where a post mortem report was compiled.

According to the post mortem report Manjoma died as a result of severe bleeding from the head.

@sharonchiware1