Online Reporter
Dalyn Chigwizura, Court Reporter
A 43-year-old man appeared in court on Monday facing a murder charge after allegedly stabbing a woman several times on the head, face and neck with an okapi knife and a broken beer bottle before taking her mobile phone.
Obvious Moyo, of no fixed abode but originally from Bubi District, appeared before Western Commonage magistrate Mr Jeconia Prince Ncube, charged with murder. He was remanded in custody until December 2.
Prosecuting, Mr Tafara Dzimbanhete told the court that on November 10, Sibongile Beverly Ngwenya (34), now deceased, was drinking beer with Irene Ndlovu inside Asikweledisi Sports Bar at Pumula Old Shopping Centre.
At around 11.30 PM, Ngwenya left Irene drinking alone. The court heard that at around midnight, Irene began looking for Ngwenya so they could go home together. She later found her in the company of the accused, standing some distance outside Asikweledisi Sports Bar.
Irene approached them and informed Ngwenya that she was ready to leave, and the two women agreed to walk together, said Mr Dzimbanhete. Ngwenya was last seen with the accused and together they left Irene near her home.
Moyo then accompanied the now deceased, stating that he intended to escort her to her house before proceeding to Robert Sinyoka Village, where he claimed he was staying.
Upon arriving at house number 9283/2 Old Pumula, the accused allegedly used a broken beer bottle and an okapi knife to fatally stab Ngwenya several times on the head, face and neck, killing her instantly. He then took her mobile phone and fled.
The following morning, at around 6.30 AM on November 11, Ngwenya’s body was discovered by members of the public, who informed her husband, Mqamali Ncube. He reported the matter to the police.
Ngwenya’s body was taken to United Bulawayo Hospitals for a post-mortem, said Mr Dzimbanhete.
Subsequent investigations led to the arrest of the accused, who allegedly directed police to the recovery of the bloodstained clothes he had been wearing during the commission of the crime, as well as the murder weapon — a silver okapi knife, Mr Dzimbanhete added.
Londile Moyo