Online Reporter
Peter Matika [email protected]
THE trial of two Bulawayo men, who allegedly killed a commuter omnibus driver during a misunderstanding over bus fare in August 2023, kicked off at the High Court in Bulawayo on Tuesday.
Nkosilathi Sibanda (21) and Liberty Moyo (27), both from Cowdray Park suburb, appeared before Justice Ngoni Nduna on Tuesday, facing a murder charge in connection with Simbarashe Chabata’s death.
Chabata was 33 years old at the time of his death.
Prosecuting, Mr Kudakwashe Jaravaza said on August 28, 2023, at around 8PM, Sibanda and Moyo boarded the vehicle, which was en route to Cowdray Park.
He said the two accused refused to pay the stipulated US$1 fare leading to an altercation.
The court heard that when the two accused got into the vehicle, they refused to pay the fare. This prompted Chabata to stop the vehicle to assist the conductor, Thulani Nyoni in collecting the money since there was resistance.
Before he could get out of the vehicle, Moyo stabbed Chabata in the left side of his shoulder and palm. This is when other passengers disembarked and ran away. The two gave chase to the driver and stabbed him in the chest before he fell to the ground.
The other passengers gave chase and only managed to apprehend Moyo. An ambulance later arrived and Chabata was taken to Mpilo Central Hospital for medical attention, where he later died.
The matter continues on Friday, with the accused expected to present their defence.
