Teenager ‘kills’ rival suitor

Sukulwenkosi Dube Plumtree Correspondent
A PRE-CHRISTMAS community celebration in the Khame area of Bulilima District ended in tragedy after an 18-year-old man allegedly fatally stabbed his neighbour following a dispute over a woman.

The woman was allegedly dating both men at the same time.

Phebion Sibanda and Khulekani Nleya, 21, both of Chief Masendu’s area clashed at Asiyandeni Gumbo’s homestead when they both turned up to visit the woman.

The two men had a misunderstanding on Wednesday last week and Sibanda allegedly drew out an okapi knife from his pocket and stabbed Nleya on the chest.

He fled from the scene and was arrested at the weekend.

Sibanda appeared before Plumtree magistrate, Gideon Ruvetsa facing murder charges.

Ruvetsa remanded Sibanda in custody to January 5.

Prosecuting, Clemence Shawarira said Sibanda and Nleya were in the company of their friends when the incident occurred.

The two men had earlier on attended a pre-Christmas gathering which had been organised by a local businessman for elderly people.

Shawarira said on their way from the gathering which was held at Khame Business Centre, Sibanda and Nleya both decided to pay Gumbo a visit, not knowing that she was double crossing them.

“Nleya was the first to leave the gathering and he proceeded to collect his friend who then accompanied him to his girlfriend’s homestead.

“When they reached his girlfriend’s homestead, Nleya found Sibanda standing at the gate with three other friends and he demanded to know what they were doing there,” said Shawarira.

He said Sibanda indicated that he was waiting for his girlfriend and an argument ensued between the two men with each of them claiming to be Gumbo’s lover.

Nleya then produced a whip from beneath his jacket and ordered Sibanda and his friends to leave. He also threatened to beat up Sibanda if he did not comply.

Shawarira said Sibanda’s friends tried to convince him to walk away from the scene but he was too angry to listen.

He said Sibanda retrieved an okapi knife from his pocket and stabbed Nleya on the chest once.

He said the accused person pulled out the knife and fled from the scene, leaving Nleya’s body on the ground. Nleya’s friend tried to seek help but it was to no avail as he died moments later.

A report was made and police managed to arrest Sibanda a few days later.

They recovered the murder weapon.