EDITOR’S PICK: Stabbed on the face for refusing to buy beer

Clotilder Mwanza

FOUR Harare men allegedly stabbed a man on the face with a knife, and stole his US$120, after he refused to buy them beer.

Tanyaradzwa Rupiya, 21, Witmore Nyamadzawo, 18, Mike Kholowa, 27, and Nowell Nyamadzawo, 20, appeared in court yesterday.

They denied the robbery charges when they appeared at the Mbare Magistrates’ Court.

They said the offence was committed by their accomplices, Ngoni and Alfred, who are on the run.

The four were remanded in custody and will be back in court today for bail application.

According to the State, the complaint, Terrence Gonyo, was approached by Kholowa in a bar, who asked him to buy some beer.

Gonyo refused and when he was leaving the bar, he heard the gang talking about him. 

When he looked back, he saw Alfred handing a knife to Ngoni, who then stabbed him in the face.

They stole Gonyo’s phone and US$120, and fled.

Rupiya said he was not present when the stabbing happened.

 “I was not there, I am being accused because I am a friend of Ngoni and Alfred,” said Rupiya.

Witmore said he only got to the scene after the complainant had already been stabbed, while Kholowa said he was inside the bar during the entire fracas.

“I am being accused because we are always together with the ones who stabbed him,” said Kholowa.

Nowell said he only heard about the stabbing.

Vimbai Makamure appeared for the State.