The High Court in Hwange has sentenced a 43-year-old man to 18 years in prison for fatally stabbing a gambling opponent during last year’s independence celebrations in Lupane, Matabeleland North.

Cosmas Ngwenya stabbed Mthokozisi Ncube (30) during a gambling dispute at Independence Day celebrations in Lupane, according to the National Prosecuting Authority of Zimbabwe (NPAZ).

The court heard that Ngwenya, his victim and several other patrons were drinking and gambling at Ziqalabeni Business Centre when a heated argument broke out over a fake 50 rand note that had been placed as a bet.

Ncube attempted to calm the situation but Ngwenya insulted him and escalated the conflict. When Ncube confronted him, Ngwenya produced a flick knife and stabbed him once in the stomach, causing fatal injuries.

Witnesses that saw the incident, pursued and immediately apprehended Ngwenya and recovered the knife he had used to stab Ncube. Ncube died on the spot.

Separately, the NPAZ said Mtabisi Ndimande (23) from Macala Village, Chief Sikhobokhobo, Gwelutshena, Nkayi was jailed to an effective 20 years by the same court for the murder of a 39-year-old man following a dispute over an undisclosed issue.

The incident occurred last August when Ndimande and his victim had an argument while drinking beer at DZ Sports Bar, Turkmine Business Centre, Inyathi along with other patrons.

When the argument between the two men broke out, a security guard intervened and the deceased sat down while Ndimande remained standing.

Without warning, Ndimande pulled out an axe from his waist and struck his victim once on the head, causing the latter to collapse while the axe remained embedded in his head. Ndimande then removed the axe and walked away.

The victim bled profusely and was taken to the hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries the following day.

Police attended the scene and recovered the axe and arrested Ndimande.

New Ziana