Chronicle Editor
Whinsley Masara, Chronicle Reporter
A-23-YEAR OLD man is battling for life in the intensive care unit at United Bulawayo Hospitals after he was stabbed in a bar brawl at Esihlengeni.
Mr Mordecai Ncube of Lobengula suburb in Bulawayo was transferred from Esigodini District Hospital to UBH due to his critical condition.
Ncube’s stomach was ripped open with an Okapi knife allegedly by Archford Mbiwabo (23) of Esihlengeni in Umzingwane.
Police are treating the matter as attempted murder and have arrested Mbiwabo and an alleged accomplice Tendai Lunga (23) also of Esihlengeni.
The incident occurred at around 9PM on Saturday at a bar at Esihlengeni Business Centre.
Matabeleland South police spokesperson Inspector Philisani Ndebele said investigations were underway.
“I can confirm two men were arrested and are facing attempted murder charges after they stabbed a fellow patron with an Okapi knife. The victim sustained a deep cut and has since been transferred to the United Bulawayo Hospitals because of his critical condition after his stomach was ripped open,” he said.
Insp Ndebele urged members of the public to refrain from engaging in violence.
“We are appealing to people to solve their differences amicably and not to resort to violence. It’s worrisome to note that we continue to lose lives unnecessarily with most cases emanating from misunderstandings which arise in bars after beer drinks.
“People need to learn to drink less and walk away from arguments, especially in bars as they result in injuries and loss of lives,” he said.
A source who only identified himself as Tshuma, said a misunderstanding broke out when Ncube accused one of his two friends of drinking his beer.
“Ncube sat alone for a while before those two arrived and sat close to him. We don’t know what really happened but Ncube accused one of them of drinking his beer. The two attacked him and they started fighting. Patrons in the bar tried to stop them but Mbiwabo pulled out a knife from his pocket and ripped open Ncube’s stomach,” he said.
He said patrons apprehended Mbiwabo and Lunga and handed them over to the police.
@winnie_masara
Online Reporter