US$2 debt turns brutally violent
What began as a dispute over just US$2 has escalated into an attempted murder case.
A 42-year-old man was allegedly struck with a brick and left unconscious at Hillview Park in Dangamvura, Mutare.
Acting Manicaland police spokesperson, Assistant Inspector Wiseman Chinyoka, confirmed the incident, which occurred on Sunday, at around 16.30 hours.
“I can confirm that Tichaona Muyambo (35), who is of no fixed abode, allegedly struck the complainant, Lovemore Chiwandika (42) of Turner Farm, Westgate, Harare, once on the forehead with a brick.
“Thereafter, Chiwandika fell to the ground and became unconscious,” said Asst-Insp Chinyoka.
He said their investigations revealed that the violent confrontation stemmed from a long-standing dispute over US$2.
“On February 12, at around 1000hours, Muyambo had given Chiwandika US$2 to purchase airtime while they were in Penhalonga.
“However, the latter allegedly converted the money to his personal use. This did not go down well with Muyambo,” Asst-Insp Chinyoka said.
Tensions simmered for days before the two men met again at Hillview Park in Dangamvura.
“Upon meeting on February 22, the misunderstanding escalated. Muyambo picked up a brick and struck the complainant on the forehead.”
The blow left Chiwandika with a swollen forehead and bleeding from the nose and mouth.
“Police attended the scene and Muyambo was arrested. The complainant was referred to Victoria Chitepo Provincial Hospital for treatment and is currently in a stable condition.”
Asst-Insp Chinyoka described the incident as deeply concerning, particularly given the amount of money involved.
“It is disturbing that a disagreement over US$2 could escalate to the extent of attempted murder. No amount of money justifies resorting to violence,” he said.
“We urge people to resolve their differences amicably or seek legal recourse where necessary.
“Assaulting someone over a debt, no matter how small, is a serious criminal offence that carries severe consequences,” he said. *_-H-Metro_*
