Man killed in Harare for speaking Ndebele

A Harare man has appeared in court on allegations of beating a reveller to death as punishment for speaking in Ndebele. The accused murderer, Sydney Phiri (36), was arraigned before Harare magistrate Anita Tshuma facing murder charges but was not asked to plead. 

State led by prosecutor Tungamirai Chakurira alleges that last week on Friday, Sydney was at Crowhill Farm Bar in Borrowdale where he was drinking beer.

It is reported that Sydney approached the now deceased, Takawira Nehumba, who was also drinking beer with his young brother. Sydney is said to have started accusing the now late Takawira of speaking in Ndebele and an argument ensued.

It is the State’s case that Sydney then started pushing and shoving Takawira and the former took a half brick which had a protruding nail and he threw it directly to the latter.

Indications are that Sydney was near Takawira and the brick hit the Ndebele-speaking man on the forehead and he sustained a serious injury. Takawira was rushed to Parirenyatwa Group of Hospitals where he later died due to injuries sustained in the attack.

The State further alleges that Sydney was identified by Takawira’s young brother, who witnessed the whole incident. It is said that Sydney was also identified by other revellers who were in the bar. Magistrate Tshuma remanded Sydney in custody, and will be back in court for trial.