Police in the Midlands province have arrested a 28-year-old man in connection with a fatal stabbing that occurred in Mabhena village near Mabandla business centre in Lower Gweru.
Midlands province police spokesperson Inspector Emmanuel Mahoko confirmed the incident, which took place on August 12. “The suspect, identified as David Musani Moyo, allegedly stabbed the victim once in the chest following a confrontation,” Mahoko said. According to reports, the dispute erupted after the victim attempted to stop Moyo from hurling vulgar insults in public.
The victim succumbed to the stab wound, and Musani Moyo was taken into police custody shortly after the incident. Authorities are continuing investigations to determine if there were any underlying motives or prior disputes between the parties involved.
This incident has heightened concern among local residents, who say disputes over minor provocations have increasingly escalated to violence in the area. Community leaders have called for increased police patrols and public awareness campaigns to curb similar incidents in the future.
Meanwhile, in Matabeleland North province, five men from Ntulula in Tsholotsho appeared in court facing charges of attempted murder. Their alleged victim, a fellow villager named Roderick Ndlovu, suffered serious injuries following a brutal attack.
Two of the accused, Comfort Dube (22) and Qhubekani Moyo (36), pleaded guilty to the charge and were convicted and sentenced to five years’ imprisonment each by Bulawayo regional magistrate Mark Dzira. The magistrate emphasised the severity of their crime, noting that the assault caused significant injuries to the victim, particularly to the head—a sensitive and vulnerable area.
“You committed a serious offence by assaulting Roderick Ndlovu, causing him serious injuries, particularly to the head,” Dzira said during the sentencing.
Musani Moyo Arrested in Lower Gweru Fatal Stabbing, Five Others Face Attempted Murder Charges in Tsholotsho
Both Dube and Qhubekani expressed remorse for their actions and requested the court to consider community service as an alternative to imprisonment. “I will not grant you community service. You will be taken into custody. You are sentenced to five years’ imprisonment,” the magistrate stated.
The remaining three accused—Nkosiphile Moyo (27), Khuzani Ncube (35), and Passmore Tshuma (24)—pleaded not guilty to the attempted murder charge. The matter was postponed for further hearings, allowing the court more time to examine the evidence presented by both the prosecution and the defence.
Court proceedings revealed that on April 26, at Ntulula business centre, the five men allegedly assaulted Ndlovu, leaving him unconscious. The attack was described as violent and unprovoked, with the accused using knobkerries and golf sticks to inflict serious injuries.
The victim endured a severe beating, with multiple injuries that left him in a critical state. He later regained consciousness at Mpilo Central Hospital, where he received urgent medical attention. Authorities indicated that the victim’s recovery was ongoing, and he continues to require medical follow-up due to the extent of his injuries.
Prosecutors argued that the attack demonstrated premeditation and extreme violence, justifying the attempted murder charges. They highlighted the use of weapons and the vulnerability of the victim, stressing that the court must impose sentences that reflect the seriousness of the offence and deter similar acts in the community.
Both incidents—the fatal stabbing in Lower Gweru and the attempted murder in Tsholotsho—have raised concerns about public safety in rural communities. Residents have expressed alarm at the level of violence stemming from personal disputes and have urged law enforcement to take proactive measures to prevent further loss of life.
Community leaders have emphasised the need for conflict resolution mechanisms and awareness campaigns that address anger management and peaceful dispute settlement. They argue that without such interventions, minor confrontations could continue escalating into fatal or life-threatening situations.
Inspector Mahoko reassured the public that police are committed to ensuring justice and restoring a sense of safety. “Our priority is to investigate all cases thoroughly, apprehend suspects, and ensure that the law takes its course,” he said.
Investigations into the Lower Gweru stabbing are ongoing, with police examining whether any additional suspects or accomplices may have been involved. Similarly, the court proceedings in Tsholotsho are expected to continue in the coming weeks as the remaining accused face trial.
Authorities have called on communities to assist by reporting suspicious activities and supporting law enforcement efforts. The recent cases serve as a stark reminder of the consequences of violence and the importance of resolving disputes through lawful and non-violent means.
Source- Newsday
