MARTIN MAWAYA
GWERU—A dispute over a cigarette lighter turned deadly after a 30-year-old Shurugwi man allegedly hacked his colleague to death with a machete in one of two separate murder cases recorded in the Midlands over the weekend.
The Midlands province police spokesperson Inspector Emmanuel Mahoko confirmed the arrest of John Maketo (30) in connection with the killing of Chamunorwa Mudzingwa at Sherekete Business Centre under Chief Nhema.
Mahoko said Maketo allegedly approached Mudzingwa asking for a cigarette lighter, but the request was declined.
“The refusal angered the suspect, who allegedly struck the deceased twice with a machete. The victim collapsed and died on the spot,” Mahoko said.
In a separate incident, police also arrested Tapiwa Murozvi Moyo (29) over the fatal assault of Tawanda Moyo (34) at Village 2, Greenspan Business Centre in Mberengwa.
Mahoko said the violence erupted during a game of pool after the pair argued over a token.
“The two exchanged blows and fellow patrons tried to stop the fight without success. The suspect allegedly picked up a brick and struck the deceased on the head, killing him instantly,” he said.
Police have since opened murder dockets in both cases, with investigations continuing.
The suspects are expected to appear before the High Court once investigations are complete.
Mahoko appealed to members of the public to resolve disputes amicably and avoid resorting to violence, warning that petty disagreements should never result in the loss of life.
The two killings have highlighted the deadly consequences of impulsive violence, with arguments over a cigarette lighter and a pool token ending in the loss of two lives within 24 hours in the Midlands Province.
