Online Reporter
Sukulwenkosi Dube-Matutu, Zimpapers Writer
TWO siblings from Gwanda District in Matabeleland South have appeared in court for allegedly assaulting a man to death following a misunderstanding over beer.
Bhekizulu Mathe (28) and Methembe Mathe (32) from Nhwali area were not asked to plead when they appeared briefly before Gwanda magistrate, Mr Progress Murandu facing a murder charge.
They were remanded in custody to 18 September and advised to apply for bail at the High Court.
Prosecuting, Mr Ngonidzashe Shumba, said the pair attacked Peter Ncube on 10 August.
The altercation ensued after one of the accused persons drank Ncube’s beer without permission.
The pair attacked Ncube with bricks and stones leaving him injured. Ncube was rushed to United Bulawayo Hospitals where he died the following day.
“On 10 August at around 8pm the accused persons arrived at Mabala Business Centre and found the now deceased drinking with other men and they joined them.
“Ncube stood up and went to the toilet to relieve himself and left his beer on the table,” said Mr Shumba.
“While he was gone Bhekizulu drank Ncube’s beer and upon his return the now deceased noticed. He confronted the men that he had been drinking with and they informed him that Bhekizulu was the one who drank his beer.
“He confronted Bhekizulu who admitted to having consumed the beer and didn’t show any remorse,” he said.
Mr Shumba said this resulted in a misunderstanding between Bhekizulu and Ncube, which led to a fight. He said Methembe and Bhekizulu ganged up on Ncube and assaulted him but the other patrons intervened and stopped the fight.
He said at around 10PM Ncube left the business centre and headed home and the accused persons followed him.
“When the now deceased had moved a few metres from the business centre the accused persons followed him and attacked him.
They kicked and punched him and also assaulted him with bricks.
“Ncube called for help and other patrons rushed to his aid. The accused persons fled leaving him lying on the ground,” he said.
Mr Shumba said Ncube was rushed to Gwanda Provincial Hospital where he was further referred to the United Bulawayo Hospitals where he was admitted. His condition continued to deteriorate and he was pronounced dead the following day.
The matter was reported to the police and investigations were conducted leading to the arrest of the accused persons. — @DubeMatutu
