Gokwe man stabbed over beer

Johnsias Mutonhori, Midlands Correspondent
A 37-year-old Gokwe man is fighting for his life at Gokwe North District Hospital after he was stabbed with a knife for refusing to buy beer.

Midlands police spokesperson Inspector Emmanuel Mahoko confirmed the incident which happened at a bottle store in Chireya, Gokwe.

He said Aram Dube (37) refused to buy beer for the two suspects identified as Abraham Chimenyedu and Thembelam which triggered a misunderstanding resulting in a fight.

“We received a report that a Gokwe man was brutally assaulted and stabbed with a knife for refusing to buy beer in an incident that occurred last week. The man was hospitalised and his condition is said to be critical.

“It is alleged that around 3am Dube of Hillside Compound under Chief Chireya in Gokwe North was drinking beer with the two suspects only identified as Abraham Chimenyedu and Thembelam at Muwoni Bottle Store, Beatrice Compound, Chief Chireya.

“The suspects asked Dube to buy them beer and he said he did not have money and this did not go down well with the suspects who dragged Dube out of the bottle store and started assaulting him with fists and open hands all over the body. They then stabbed Dube with a knife and he fell down and became unconscious. Dube sustained serious injuries and he is currently admitted to Gokwe North District Hospital,” Insp Mahoko said.

Meanwhile, a Silobela man Thembelani Tshuma (29) was fatally assaulted by his companion when a misunderstanding arose while on their way from a local bottle store. Inspector Mahoko said the suspect Nkosetsha Mkhize (48) pulled a log from a nearby kraal and struck Tshuma all over the body.

“Police received a case of murder in which a 29-year-old Silobela man died on the spot after being assaulted with a log. The incident occurred last week at Ntabamhlope Shopping Centre, Chief Sogwala, Lower Gweru. It is alleged that the now deceased, Tshuma of Khatshana Village, Chief Malisa, Silobela was drinking beer in the company of Mkhize of Matinha Village, Chief Sogwala, at Ntabamhlope Shopping Centre in Lower Gweru,” said Insp Mahoko.

He said the incident occurred around 11pm when the two left the business centre for home.

“It is alleged that along the way, a misunderstanding arose between the two and Mkhize pulled a log from a nearby kraal and struck Tshuma several times all over the body. Tshuma sustained head injuries and he was referred to Silobela District Hospital where he later died. The accused was arrested and is assisting us with investigations,” he added.