Online Reporter
Patrick Chitumba, [email protected]
A 27-YEAR-OLD man from Shurugwi in the Midlands Province has been sentenced to 25 years in prison after fatally stabbing his friend during what began as a playful wrestling match.
Brighton Taruvinga of Donga Stands in Chachacha, Shurugwi District, was convicted of murder by Bulawayo High Court judge Justice Munamato Mutevedzi, sitting on circuit in Gweru.
Although Taruvinga pleaded not guilty to murder, offering a limited plea to the lesser charge of culpable homicide, the court found him guilty of murder.
Prosecuting, Mr Talent Tadenyika told the court that on August 2 this year, at around 1PM, Taruvinga met the now-deceased Farai Nyerebani (30) of Marira Village at Chachacha Business Centre. Nyerebani was seated at a gas filling booth with a friend, Kossam Ncube, discussing mining activities.
Taruvinga and Nyerebani began to roughhouse, but the playful wrestling quickly escalated when Nyerebani accidentally broke Taruvinga’s nose.
In a fit of rage, Taruvinga pulled out a Columbia knife from his trousers pocket and stabbed Nyerebani.
“The accused became furious and withdrew a Columbia knife from his right trousers pocket. He charged towards the deceased, stabbing him once below the left hip, once above the waist, and once on the chest,” said Mr Tadenyika.
Nyerebani staggered for about six metres before collapsing, bleeding profusely. He was pronounced dead after being taken to Shurugwi District Hospital.
On August 4, the body was transferred to United Bulawayo Hospitals (UBH) for a post-mortem. Pathologists concluded that the cause of death was haemorrhagic shock due to multiple stab wounds.
Taruvinga fled the scene after the stabbing but was later arrested.
