MILLICENT HUNGWE
MASVINGO-The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) has expressed deep concern over a rising trend in murder cases linked to beer outlets across the country, with recent incidents pointing to petty disputes escalating into deadly confrontations.
In a press statement released on December 9, 2025 by ZRP national spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi, said a disturbing pattern of violence at drinking spots in various parts of the country over the past week.
On December 1, at around 03:35 AM, Taurai Hungwe (29) was allegedly stabbed in the chest with an okapi knife during a night out at a nightclub in Beitbridge.
The suspect, only identified as Prosper, reportedly attacked Hungwe following an undisclosed dispute.
Despite being rushed to Beitbridge District Hospital, Hungwe succumbed to his injuries on December 3.
Just a few days later, on December 4, tragedy struck again at a bottle store in East Rixon, Filabusi, where Kudakwashe Mudyanevana (27) was struck on the head with an axe by a suspect known as Tshuks.
The attack followed an altercation over an unknown issue, and the victim died while being ferried to Filabusi Hospital. The suspect fled the scene and remains at large.
On December 5, Leonard Chidhoma (45) was reportedly attacked by two unidentified men while drinking at Chibhawabha Bottle Store in the Battlefields area.
The suspects accused Chidhoma of spreading falsehoods, leading to a deadly confrontation. His lifeless body was discovered the next day in his room.
The violence continued on December 7 in Bulawayo, where Mongilewethu Godnow Dube (26) was fatally stabbed after confronting Keith Dube (26) at a sports bar in Magwegwe North.
The incident reportedly stemmed from a previous altercation in which Keith had splashed beer on Mongilewethu’s friend during a snooker game.
The confrontation quickly turned violent, resulting in Mongilewethu’s death.
Commissioner Paul Nyathi has urged members of the public to resolve disputes peacefully and avoid confrontations, especially when under the influence of alcohol.
