Chronicle Editor
Fairness Moyana in Hwange
A MAN from Nkayi District who went berserk and fatally struck a fellow reveller with an axe following dispute over an unknown issue has been convicted of murder and sentenced to 20 years in jail.
Mthabisi Ndimande (23) of Macala Village in Somakandana area under Chief Sikhobokhobo was convicted for murder of Xolisani Nkomo following a full trial by Bulawayo High Court judge, Justice Nokuthula Moyo at the Hwange circuit.
The deceased was 39 years of age at the time of death and resided at Master Nkomo’s homestead, Lubanda Village 4 in Bubi District under Chief Mtshane.
The court heard that on 5 August 2024 at around 10:30PM Mthabisi and the deceased were at DZ Sports Bar at Turk Mine Business Centre in Inyathi where they were drinking beer with other patrons.
The two were later seen shouting at each other over an unknown issue. A security guard at the bar, Mlindeli Sibanda restrained them. The deceased sat down while the accused was standing.
All of a sudden Mthabisi withdrew an axe from his waist and struck the deceased once on the head and he fell to the ground.
The axe remained stuck in the head and the accused removed it and walked away leaving the deceased bleeding profusely.
Ten minutes later he returned and shook the deceased before walking away again. The deceased’s father was called to the scene who ferried him to the hospital where he died on 6 May 2024.
Police attended the scene and investigations led to the recovery of the axe. Mthabisi was subsequently arrested.
Online Reporter