By Rutendo Mapfumo

A 23-year-old resident of Gwelutshena, was sentenced to 20 years in prison for the chilling murder of his 39-year-old drinking mate at a local bar.

Mthabisi Ndimande’s (23) conviction stems from a violent incident that took place on August 5, last year at the DZ Sports Bar in Inyathi, where an evening of seemingly harmless socialising devolved into a horrific act of violence.

According to court proceedings, Ndimande had been enjoying beers with the 39-year-old vic-tim, when tensions flared, leading to a heated argument. Witnesses described the atmosphere changing dramatically as the friendly gathering quickly turned hostile.

Security personnel present at the bar attempted to intervene, hoping to de-escalate the situation and restore order. However, Ndimande chose to ignore their efforts and escalated the conflict to shocking and irreversible levels.

In a sudden turn of events Ndimande flaunted an axe, which he had apparently brought to the venue, and struck the victim on the head. The brutality of the attack was such that the victim collapsed instantly, with the weapon remaining embedded in his skull.

In a disturbing display of callousness, Ndimande then extracted the axe from the victim’s head and calmly walked away from the scene, leaving behind a trail of blood.

Emergency services were called to the scene, and the critically injured man was swiftly trans-ported to a nearby hospital. Despite the best efforts of the medical staff, the victim succumbed to his injuries a day later.

The police who responded to the crime, recovered the bloodied axe, which served as crucial evidence against Ndimande. This incident has not only highlighted the dangers of alcohol-fuelled confrontations but has also raised pressing questions about public safety in social ven-ues.

The court’s decision to impose a 20-year prison sentence underscores the seriousness of the crime and reflects the legal system’s commitment to addressing violent acts with appropriate severity.

This case serves as a stark reminder of the devastating consequences of unchecked aggression and the urgent need for effective conflict resolution strategies within the community. As the community mourns the loss of a life tragically cut short, it also seeks to come together to foster a safer environment for all its members.