Online Reporter
Dalyn Chigwizura
TSHABALALA suburb in Bulawayo was rocked by drama when Kudzai Bamu (37) turned a routine grocery run into a courtroom saga after allegedly handing out a flurry of slaps to supermarket employee Tawanda Nyenge (48), leaving him with one less tooth and a story to tell.
The slap-fest frenzy erupted on 10 May 2025 at Basic Supermarket during what should have been a simple transaction. A disagreement over loose change allegedly escalated into full-blown violence.
According to prosecutor, Tafara Dzimbanhete, the altercation began when Bamu got agitated during the payment process. Voices were raised, tempers flared and before anyone could intervene, and Bamu allegedly lost his cool and delivered a series of stinging slaps to Nyenge’s face.
Witnesses at the scene say the blows came fast and hard, catching the cashier completely off guard. By the time it was over, Nyenge had lost one of his front teeth and was left clutching his swollen face in shock and pain.
The incident caused quite a stir among shoppers, some of whom ran out of the store in fear while others pulled out their phones to record the chaos.
Nyenge was rushed to seek medical attention and later reported the matter to the police, leading to Bamu’s arrest.
The matter was brought before Magistrate Archie Wochiwunga at the Western Commonage Regional Court.
The case has since been postponed to 17 June 2025 for continuation of trial. Bamu faces charges related to assault and causing bodily harm.
Meanwhile, Basic Supermarket has reportedly beefed up security at its tills to avoid a repeat of such drama.
Shoppers beware. Next time you argue at the till, you might just leave with more than change missing.
