Online Reporter
Patrick Chitumba
A NIGHT of drinking turned into a heartbreaking tragedy in Gweru when a 22-year-old man unknowingly drove his dying friend home, thinking he was merely passed out from booze.
Midlands Provincial police spokesperson Inspector Emmanuel Mahoko said the incident happened in the early hours of Monday after a night out at The Barn nightclub.
The now-deceased, Panashe Mashate (38), was stabbed while trying to break up a fight between his friend Munashe Magura and another man during an argument over ice blocks.
“The incident happened while they were drinking beer at The Barn nightclub in Gweru,” said Insp Mahoko.
He said Mashate intervened in the fight, and the attacker fled. Moments later, the two friends decided to head home in Mashate’s car — but tragedy had already struck.
“The now deceased became unconscious while seated on the driver’s seat,” Insp Mahoko said.
Believing his friend was simply too drunk to drive, Magura moved him to the passenger seat and took the wheel, driving to their home in Clifton Park high-density suburb.
It was only upon arrival that Magura noticed blood stains on his trousers and realised something was terribly wrong.
“He tried to talk to Mashate who did not respond and was bleeding from the stomach,” said Insp Mahoko.
Police were called to the scene and confirmed that Mashate had died from a stab wound to the stomach. His body was taken to Gweru Provincial Hospital mortuary as investigations continue.
