Gweru High Court jails two for murder over bluetooth speaker and stolen US$9
GWERU – The High Court sitting in Gweru has handed down lengthy prison sentences to two Shurugwi men in separate murder cases involving petty disputes.
Lloyd Svova, a 25-year-old man from Nhidza Village in Shurugwi, has been sentenced to 20 years in prison for murder by the High Court in Gweru, a conviction that stems from a fatal stabbing incident on December 16, 2018, which unfolded after he allegedly stole US$9 from a local homestead.
The court heard that on the day of the incident, Svova unlawfully entered the home of Lovemore Mapfigo, 34, in Gambe Village and took US$9 from a table.
He was discovered by Mapfigo and his wife in their bedroom. After being confronted, Svova reportedly left the premises without explanation.
According to the National Prosecution Authority (NPA) Mapfigo subsequently informed his neighbours, and they tracked Svova to his home.
During an ensuing confrontation, Svova is said to have thrown bricks at the group. A temporary resolution was reportedly brokered by Svova’s elder brother, Tapiwa Svova.
The situation, however, escalated again, and Svova fatally stabbed Mapfigo in the neck with a knife. Mapfigo attempted to pursue Svova but collapsed and died at the scene due to severe blood loss.
“Mapfigo advised his neighbours about what had transpired and they tracked the offender to his home. During a heated exchange, the offender threw bricks at the group before a temporary truce was negotiated with the help of his elder brother, Tapiwa Svova.
“However, during the dialogue, the offender became violent again and stabbed Mapfigo in the neck with a knife. Mapfigo attempted to pursue Svova but collapsed due to heavy bleeding and died on the spot,” the NPA stated.
Another case involves Tatenda Hove, 24, from Gore Village in Shurugwi, who was convicted of murder and sentenced to 25 years in prison by the High Court in Gweru.
The conviction followed the fatal stabbing of 22-year-old Pardon Vengai, which occurred during a dispute over a Bluetooth speaker.
The incident took place on November 6, 2024, around 9:30 PM at Danga Bar in Chachacha. According to reports, Vengai was at the bar with Prince Vengai and Tawanda Manuwere, playing music on a Bluetooth speaker.
Hove, accompanied by Tapiwa Chitenga (who remains at large), arrived and allegedly forcibly took the speaker.
When Pardon Vengai attempted to retrieve his speaker, he was reportedly slapped multiple times by Chitenga. Hove and Chitenga then left the bar with the speaker, with Vengai following them, demanding its return.
A confrontation ensued outside the bar. As Vengai attempted to flee, Hove reportedly drew a Columbia knife and stabbed him in the back.
The victim collapsed after running a short distance. He was initially rushed to Zvamavonde Hospital and subsequently transferred to Gweru Provincial Hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries on November 8, 2024. Hove was arrested the following day, on November 9, 2024.
