Fatal Sip: Gwanda Siblings Face Murder Charge Over Beer Row

Two brothers from Nhwali area in Gwanda District, Matabeleland South, have appeared in court facing murder charges after allegedly assaulting a man to death following a dispute over beer that one of the accused had drunk while the victim was away.

The incident occurred on 10 August at Mabala Business Centre, where the pair reportedly attacked the victim, Peter Ncube, with bricks and stones.

Ncube later died at United Bulawayo Hospitals from injuries sustained in the assault.

The accused, Bhekizulu Mathe (28) and Methembe Mathe (32), appeared briefly before Gwanda magistrate Mr Progress Murandu.

Prosecutor, Ngonidzashe Shumba told the court that the altercation began when Ncube left his beer unattended to use the toilet, and Bhekizulu drank it without permission.

Upon returning, Ncube noticed his drink had been tampered with and confronted the group.

Shumba said Ncube was informed by other patrons that Bhekizulu was the one who drank his beer.

“While he was gone Bhekizulu drank Ncube’s beer and upon his return the now deceased noticed. He confronted the men that he had been drinking with and they informed him that Bhekizulu was the one who drank his beer.

“He confronted Bhekizulu who admitted to having consumed the beer and didn’t show any remorse.”

According to Sunday News, the confrontation escalated into a physical fight, with both brothers allegedly ganging up on Ncube.

Although other patrons intervened to break up the scuffle, tensions flared again later that night.

At around 10p.m, Ncube left the business centre to head home, unaware that the Mathe brothers were following him.

Mr Shumba told the court that the pair launched a second attack shortly after Ncube left the centre.

“When the now deceased had moved a few metres from the business centre the accused persons followed him and attacked him. They kicked and punched him and also assaulted him with bricks.

“Ncube called for help and other patrons rushed to his aid. The accused persons fled leaving him lying on the ground,” he said.

Ncube was rushed to Gwanda Provincial Hospital and later transferred to United Bulawayo Hospitals, where his condition deteriorated.

He was pronounced dead the following day.

Police investigations led to the arrest of the two suspects, who remain in custody pending further legal proceedings.