Man (aged 46) strangled to death in row over cigarette
A 46-year-old man was allegedly strangled to death during a row over a small amount of rolling tobacco (chimonera) after a drinking session at Bera Business Centre in Mkwasini last week.
The deceased, John Sunamisai, of Village 4B, Ngwana, Mkwasini, died after an altercation with Morelife Mashiri, 29, of Village 4C, Ngwana. Police are now looking for Mashiri.
Masvingo Deputy Provincial Police Spokesperson Assistant Inspector Masauso Patinyu confirmed the incident.
He said the two men had been drinking beer together at Filling Business Centre in Maware, Mkwasini, on 21 June 2026 at around 7 pm. They later moved to the Bera Business Centre, where they carried on drinking.
At about 10 pm, they joined other villagers who were warming themselves around a fire in front of a shop.
Patinyu said Mashiri asked Sunamisai for some rolling tobacco but was told there was none. The response reportedly angered Mashiri, who accused Sunamisai of refusing to share. The two exchanged insults and challenged each other to a fight.
Sunamisai left the business centre on his bicycle but came back about 20 minutes later with the tobacco Mashiri had asked for. However, Mashiri allegedly threw the tobacco away, which sparked another confrontation.
Sunamisai is said to have pushed Mashiri before Mashiri grabbed him by the neck and wrestled him to the ground. He kept choking Sunamisai as he lay on the ground.
People at the scene reportedly tried to separate them but failed. Mashiri is said to have only let go when he realised Sunamisai was no longer breathing.
Villagers tried to give first aid, but Sunamisai had already died. Mashiri allegedly fled the scene and is still at large.
The body was taken to Chiredzi District Hospital for a post-mortem.
Inspector Patinyu has appealed to the public for information that could lead to the suspect’s arrest.
“We are appealing to anyone with information regarding the whereabouts of Morelife Mashiri to report to the nearest police station,” he said.
“Such information will assist investigations and help bring the suspect to justice.”
He also urged community members to resolve disputes peacefully and avoid violence, saying arguments should never end in loss of life.
“Violence is never an option. People should seek peaceful means of resolving their differences instead of resorting to physical confrontation,” added Patinyu. *_-TellZim_*
