Businesswoman kills patron over bottle of brandy

A Marondera businesswoman has been arrested in connection with the death of a patron she allegedly struck with a broomstick over a bottle of brandy at her bar.

Mashonaland East provincial spokesman Inspector Bulisani Bhebhe on Wednesday confirmed the arrest of Lovesa Banda in connection with the death of Taurai Mission (20).

Banda is the owner of Tony’s Kitchen Restaurant and Bar. Mission died on Sunday at Parirenyatwa Hospital where he was receiving treatment after Banda hit him with a broomstick on the forehead on October 31.

Insp Bhebhe said the dispute started after Mission brought some brandy to share with his friends at Tony’s Kitchen Bar. This incensed Banda who confronted Mission accusing him of bringing the brandy into her bar.

“A misunderstanding ensued resulting in a scuffle between the two. Banda is alleged to have pushed Mission and he fell to the floor on his back. She grabbed him by the collar and dragged him outside the bar,” said Insp Bhebhe.

Insp Bhebhe said it later emerged that Mission followed Banda to her office where the latter allegedly attacked the former with a broomstick. “The deceased sustained a deep cut above the right eye. He was dragged out of the bar again before he collapsed outside,” he said.

On realising that Mission’s condition was deteriorating, Banda phoned the police who attended the scene and rushed him to Marondera Provincial Hospital. Banda was immediately arrested and paid an admission of guilt fine for assault.

Insp Bhebhe said Mission was eventually transferred to Parirenyatwa Hospital, where his condition worsened and he eventually died on Sunday. Police followed up Banda and arrested her.