A security guard is now facing a charge of attempted murder after allegedly stabbing a nightclub patron who tried to leave without permission. The shocking incident has raised questions about safety, use of force, and the role of private security in Zimbabwe’s nightlife industry.
The accused, 40-year-old Mpumelelo Masuku, was employed to provide security at the Ndlovini Bottle Store nightclub in Gwanda. He appeared before Gwanda Regional Magistrate Sithembiso Ndebele, where he entered a plea of not guilty to the serious charge.
Prosecutor Ngonidzashe Shumba described a disturbing sequence of events that unfolded during the early hours at the nightclub. According to Shumba, the confrontation began when the complainant attempted to leave the premises without authorisation.
“The accused, who was stationed at the main entrance, blocked the complainant’s path,” the prosecutor told the court. “When the complainant subsequently found another way to leave, this apparently provoked the security guard immensely.”
What started as a disagreement soon escalated into a violent altercation. Shumba described how the security guard pursued the complainant outside the premises, turning what should have been a simple matter of departure into a life-threatening chase.
The court heard that during the confrontation, the complainant was pushed to the ground but managed to get back up and flee. Masuku allegedly pursued him relentlessly. Upon catching up, Masuku reportedly attacked him with extreme violence.
“When the complainant fell and lay on his stomach, Security Guard produced an okapi knife and stabbed him six times in the back, once on the left thigh and once on the right thigh,” Shumba said. “He also picked a brick and struck the complainant on his left cheek.”
The attack left the victim with multiple deep wounds, raising serious concerns over the level of force used by security personnel. This incident has sparked conversations about whether security guards are adequately trained to handle disputes without resorting to violence.
Security Guard Faces Attempted Murder Charge After Nightclub Stabbing Incident
Following the alleged attack, Masuku fled the scene, abandoning the injured man. Villagers who witnessed the incident rushed to the complainant’s aid and immediately called the authorities. The victim was taken to a nearby medical facility for urgent treatment.
Police launched an investigation and later arrested Masuku. The case has since drawn attention to the risks patrons face and the potential dangers of excessive force by private security officers.
In court, Magistrate Ndebele stressed the seriousness of the charge. “Attempted murder is one of the gravest offences in our criminal justice system,” she remarked. “This court must ensure that justice is served while protecting the rights of all involved.”The prosecution is expected to present evidence that includes eyewitness testimony and medical reports detailing the victim’s injuries. The defence will argue Masuku’s case, with his lawyers likely to claim self-defence or a perceived threat.
“This is a matter that requires thorough examination,” said Prosecutor Shumba. “The state will prove that the accused’s actions went beyond any reasonable scope of duty and amounted to a deliberate attack on the complainant’s life.”
The magistrate set a date for the next hearing to allow both sides to prepare their cases. Security Guard remains in custody pending trial.
The incident has sparked debates in the security sector and among the public. Many have expressed concern over training and regulation for security personnel, especially in environments such as nightclubs where emotions can run high.
“Security guards play a critical role in ensuring safety,” said a local resident who attended the hearing. “But they must understand the limits of their authority and use only reasonable force. This incident shows what can happen when those limits are crossed.”
Others have urged tighter enforcement of laws regulating security services, as well as better conflict resolution training for guards. The Zimbabwe Security Companies Association has said it will monitor the case closely and review training standards where necessary.The stabbing incident in Gwanda stands as a chilling reminder of the importance of balancing safety and rights. As the case unfolds, it will not only determine the fate of Mpumelelo Masuku but could also influence wider discussions on security operations in Zimbabwe.
For now, the victim continues to recover under medical supervision, while the legal process moves forward with public attention firmly fixed on the outcome.
Source-iHarare
