Man killed over $10 in card game

By Nqobile Tshili

A man from Umguza’s Mandalay farming compound allegedly killed his friend in a scuffle over $10 during a card came. The fight occurred last Friday.

Njabulo Ncube allegedly attacked Siphelile Ncube (36) with a log on the head, killing him on the spot.

Sources said during the game, Siphelile forcibly took the money from Njabulo resulting in a fist fight.

“When Njabulo was being overpowered, he picked up a log and struck Ncube on the back of the head. He died instantly.

“It’s sad that the aggressor is dead and Njabulo has to suffer the consequences of the misunderstanding,” said one of the sources.

Bulawayo police spokesperson Inspector Precious Simango said Ncube has since been arrested and is assisting police with investigations.

She urged members of the public to desist from engaging in violence.

“We want to urge members of the public to seek peaceful ways of resolving disputes. They should shun illegal gambling because it is at such games that people end up fighting,” she said.

The Chronicle yesterday visited the Mandalay compound and spoke to Siphelile’s mother Ms Betty Moyo who said she was hurt by her son’s death.

She said it was even more painful to learn that her son was killed by his friend.

“They knew each other as we are neighbours. They were always together and we knew them as close friends,” she said.

Ms Moyo said it was distressing that Njabulo’s family was yet to visit them following the tragedy.

“What we’ve heard is that they’re contacting their children in South Africa to buy a coffin. Who said we want a coffin from them? We’re now suspicious because initially we thought the incident was an unfortunate mistake caused by a misunderstanding,” said Ms Moyo.

She said she was also not happy that the case was being taken to court for initial remand without her family’s involvement.

Under the country’s laws an accused should be taken to court within 48 hours. The news crew could not locate Njabulo’s family. Chronicle