A Harare man has been remanded in custody after appearing in court on allegations of fatally stabbing his rival during a heated argument over missing snooker tokens at a local night club. The tragic incident, which unfolded in Epworth’s Overspill area, has shocked residents and reignited concerns over the growing trend of violent disputes linked to alcohol and nightlife settings.
The accused, Blessed Muchenje (32) of Epworth, appeared before Harare magistrate Mr Artwell Sanyatwe on Thursday, facing one count of murder. He was advised to apply for bail through the High Court as the offence falls outside the jurisdiction of the magistrates’ court for bail considerations. Muchenje stood silently in the dock, showing little emotion as the State laid out the details of the gruesome altercation that led to the death of his acquaintance.
According to the prosecution, led by Mr Thomas Chanakira, the fatal confrontation occurred in the early hours of August 13, 2025, at Tobela Night Club, a popular drinking spot in Epworth’s Overspill township. The State alleges that Muchenje and the now-deceased, whose name was not immediately released pending family notification, were enjoying beers together while playing a game of snooker.
Trouble reportedly began when the pair discovered that some of their snooker tokens were missing. What started as a lighthearted disagreement soon spiraled into a heated argument. Witnesses told investigators that both men were visibly intoxicated, and their verbal exchange quickly escalated into a physical fight.
As tempers flared, the two men were separated by onlookers, but Muchenje allegedly continued to hurl insults and threats at his opponent. According to the State, he then grabbed the victim and forced him outside the nightclub, where the confrontation turned deadly.
In a fit of rage, Muchenje is said to have drawn an Okapi knife from his pocket and stabbed the victim three times—twice in the shoulder and once in the back—before fleeing the scene under the cover of darkness. Horrified patrons rushed to the victim’s aid and transported him to Domboramwari Clinic, but he was pronounced dead on arrival due to severe blood loss and deep stab wounds.
Police launched a manhunt following the incident, leading to Muchenje’s arrest a few days later after he was reportedly found hiding at a relative’s home in Chitungwiza. During questioning, he allegedly admitted to stabbing the deceased but claimed he acted in self-defence after being attacked first. Investigators, however, believe the force used was excessive and unjustified, leading to his murder charge.
Man Kills Rival Following Snooker Tokens Dispute
Residents of Epworth have expressed shock and frustration over the incident, describing it as yet another case of senseless violence fueled by alcohol abuse and poor conflict management among young men. “It’s heartbreaking. These two were friends who spent most weekends together playing snooker and drinking. No one thought things would end like this,” said a local shop owner who witnessed part of the altercation.
Community leaders have since called for stricter regulation of nightclubs and bars in high-density suburbs like Epworth, arguing that many of them operate beyond licensed hours and contribute to rising crime rates. “We are losing too many young lives to alcohol-related violence. Authorities must take action against unregulated bars and ensure security is tight at entertainment venues,” said Ward 7 Councillor Tafadzwa Mupambi.
Police have also urged members of the public to seek peaceful ways to resolve disputes rather than resorting to violence. National police spokesperson Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi condemned the killing, reminding citizens that such incidents are preventable if tempers are managed responsibly. “We continue to urge the public to exercise restraint when faced with disagreements, especially where alcohol is involved. A moment of anger can lead to irreversible tragedy,” he said.
The case will now proceed to the High Court for further hearings once the investigation is complete. Meanwhile, Muchenje remains in remand custody, pending trial. The court has ordered that he be provided with medical attention after his lawyer claimed he sustained injuries during the brawl.
As the community mourns the deceased, the incident has reignited discussions about the urgent need for mental health and anger management programs, particularly targeting young men in economically stressed communities. Social workers in Epworth say unemployment, substance abuse, and lack of recreational outlets often push youths toward destructive behaviour.
For now, the snooker table at Tobela Night Club remains unused—a grim reminder of a night that began with laughter and ended in tragedy. What was meant to be a casual game among friends turned into a fatal confrontation, leaving one man dead, another behind bars, and a community grappling with yet another episode of senseless violence.
Source- ZimEye
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