Tendai Muererwa
BIRCHENOUGH BRIDGE-A dark cloud has engulfed Mwacheta Village under Chief Chamutsa in Buhera following the tragic death of Bright Dhliwayo (17) who allegedly consumed poison folowing a fierce fist fight with his friend over a girl.
The Midweek Watch was informed by sources at the Birchenough Bridge bus rank that the boy who allegedly used to drive different pirate cars had a misunderstanding with his agemate over a girl resulting in a fist fight.
Bright lost the fight and allegedly decided to kill his friend by offering him a drink laced with poison as a way of reconciling with him. The source said the friend pretended to take a gulp of the poison laced energy drink and handed it back to the deceased.
Bright allegedly felt guilty as he thought he had killed his friend with poisoned drink and he decided to down the remaining energy drink.
However, the police had a different version of the sad incident which happened on May 24, 2026.
According to police, Bright had gone to nearby shops at around 10PM where he met his friend, also aged 17 and from the same village. It is alleged that Bright was holding an empty drink bottle with a strong smell of poison and reportedly told his friend that he intended to take his own life. The two later left for home together, but along the way Bright began struggling to walk. Leonard reportedly assisted him by carrying him until they arrived at Bright’s homestead.
Upon arrival, Leonard informed Bright’s elder brother, Vengai Dhliwayo (26), who attempted to give him water, but sadly Bright had already died. Police from Birchenough Bridge attended the scene and conducted investigations. No visible injuries were observed on the body. The deceased was taken to Birchenough Bridge Hospital mortuary for post mortem while investigations continue.
Manicaland Province ZRP acting spokesperson Assistant Inspector Wiseman Chinyoka urged members of the public, especially young people, to seek help and speak out whenever they face emotional or personal difficulties instead of resorting to suicide.
He said suicide is a painful and devastating act that leaves families and communities traumatised, adding that people should engage relatives, community leaders, counsellors, churches or health professionals whenever they are overwhelmed by life challenges.
