Masvingo businessman, brother on the run after ‘killing’ patron

By Ndhiyase Mlambo | Masvingo Mirror |

MASVINGO – A prominent businessman from Muchakata in Chief Mapanzure’s area, Masvingo and his brother are on the run after the latter allegedly stabbed and killed a patron with a knife following an argument over replacement of spilt beer.

The incident happened at Nekanda Business Center in Mapanzure on Saturday.

The first accused Nyasha Machaya runs Machaya General Dealer at Nekanda while the second accused Thomas Machaya is a brother to Nyasha.

Masvingo Police spokesman Inspector Kudakwashe Dhewa confirmed the incident to The Mirror.

Some sources however, feared that the case will be swept under the carpet because there are senior officers at the CID Department in Masvingo who are allegedly connected to the accused.

Dhewa said on Saturday Nyasha arrived at the store drunk and was making arguments with everyone. He then spilt, the now deceased Tavonga Chikomo (43)’s beer and the latter demanded that Nyasha replace it.

Thomas who was cooking sadza outside heard the arguments and ran towards the two, holding a kitchen knife in his hand. He allegedly stabbed Chikomo on the left side of the chest and picked up a log and hit the deceased on the head with it before other patrons intervened.

Nyasha’s driver, Mhoka Muzire (48) rushed Chikomo to Masvingo General Hospital after he made a report at Muchakata Police Station. Chikomo was pronounced dead on arrival at the hospital and his body is awaiting post mortem.

The two brothers are still at large.

Inspector Dhewa urged members of the public to desist from violence as a way of resolving problems.