Beer dispute turns bloody as pair fight for life

Two men are battling for life in hospital after they were brutally attacked with a machete by a drinking companion after they refused to buy him more beer at a business centre in Chipinge.

Acting Manicaland police spokesperson, Assistant Inspector Wiseman Chinyoka, confirmed the incident, saying it occurred at Musapingura Business Centre under Chief Musikavanhu.Investment Opportunities Zimbabwe

“I can confirm a case of attempted murder in which two complainants were seriously injured after being attacked by a suspect following a misunderstanding over beer,” he said.

Assistant Inspector Chinyoka said the incident involved Paul Khumbuya (35) and Shemu Makuwere (47), both of Chisanga Village, while the accused has been identified as Marko Simango (23) of Musapingura Village.

“On 31 March at around 1900 hours, Khumbuya arrived at Musapingura Business Centre from Mazowe, where he works as an artisanal miner. He met Makuwere and they started drinking beer together. Simango joined them and started drinking. Since Khumbuya was the one buying beer, the accused demanded that he should continue buying more, but he indicated that he no longer had money. A misunderstanding then arose,” he said.

Assistant Inspector Chinyoka said the situation turned violent.

“Simango picked a wooden log and assaulted complainant one all over the body. Complainant two tried to intervene and restrain him. The accused then left and went back to his homestead,” he said.

However, the matter escalated the following morning. “On April 1 at around 0800 hours, Simango proceeded to Khumbuya’s homestead armed with a hoe handle, which he picked from the yard, and struck him twice on the head, claiming he was still bitter about the previous day’s incident.

“He then picked a machete and struck Khumbuya once on the forehead and once on the shoulder,” said Assistant Inspector Chinyoka.

Makuwere, who had come to visit, was also attacked. “Simango turned to Makuwere and struck him once on the leg with a hoe,” he said.

Both victims sustained serious injuries and were rushed to hospital. “Khumbuya sustained two deep cuts on the scalp, one on the forehead and another on the shoulder, while Makuwere sustained a deep cut on the leg. They were referred to St Peters Hospital where they are receiving treatment, and Khumbuya is in a critical condition,” said Assistant Inspector Chinyoka.

The matter was reported to police later that day, leading to Simango’s arrest.

“The case was reported at ZRP Middle Sabi on April 1 at around 1500 hours. Police attended the scene and recovered the weapon used. Simango was arrested and is currently in custody,” he said.

Assistant Inspector Chinyoka said investigations were ongoing.

He warned members of the public against resorting to violence to resolve disputes, particularly those arising from alcohol consumption.

“We urge members of the public to resolve their differences amicably and avoid engaging in violent conduct, especially under the influence of alcohol.

‘‘Such actions have serious consequences and can lead to loss of life or long-term injuries,” he said.

Assistant Inspector Chinyoka also encouraged communities to report individuals with a history of violent behaviour.

“Simango in this case had a history of violence and was wanted in connection with other assault cases.

‘‘We encourage communities to report such individuals early so that appropriate action can be taken,” he said.

Simango is expected to appear in court soon. *_-Herald_*