Online Reporter
B-Metro Reporter
PETTY FIGHTS are increasingly exploding into deadly attacks in beer hubs across Zimbabwe, prompting police to raise the alarm over rising murder cases.
In a strongly worded statement, national police spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi said authorities are worried about the growing trend of senseless killings at bars and bottle stores.
“The Zimbabwe Republic Police is concerned with murder cases occurring across the country, particularly at beer drinking sites where petty disputes are escalating into fatal confrontations,” said Comm Nyathi.
The horror spree kicked off on 1 December in Beitbridge when Taurai Hungwe (29) was knifed during a nightclub scuffle. Hungwe was stabbed once in the chest with an okapi knife by a suspect only identified as Prosper after an unknown misunderstanding.
He was rushed to Beitbridge District Hospital but tragically died two days later. Prosper bolted from the scene and is still on the run.
Three days later at Claremont Business Centre in Fort Rixon, Kudakwashe Mudyanevana (27) met a brutal end when a suspect known as Tshuks allegedly stormed a bottle store with four accomplices and terrorised beer patrons.
Police said the gang attacked drinkers before Tshuks allegedly struck Mudyanevana on the head with an axe.
He died while being rushed to Filabusi Hospital.
In Battlefields on 5 December, Leonard Chidhoma (45) was enjoying his beer at Chibhawabhawa when two unidentified men confronted him, accusing him of gossiping.
The attackers allegedly assaulted him and vanished. His body was found in his room the next morning.
Bulawayo also recorded a revenge killing on 7 December when Mongiwethu Godnows Dube (26) confronted Keith Dube (26) after Keith had splashed beer on the victim’s friend during a snooker game at a Magwegwe North sports bar.
The confrontation reportedly spiralled out of control, ending with Mongiwethu dead.
Comm Nyathi urged the public to exercise restraint, saying the killings are needless and avoidable.
“The Zimbabwe Republic Police discourages violence and urges members of the public to resolve disputes amicably,” he said.
