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Patrick Chitumba, patrick.chitumba@chronicle.co.zw
A 27-year-old Chirumhanzu man, Brian Mavesera, has been sentenced to 17 years in prison for brutally murdering a patron he suspected of stealing his $100 in a bar.
High Court judge, Justice Bongani Ndlovu, described Mavesera as a “bully” who posed a menace to society, necessitating a lengthy custodial sentence.
The incident occurred on April 9 last year at Kajawu bar in Chirumhanzu.
Mavesera, who was drinking with friends, claimed that Mr Gerald Mhosva (30) had stolen his money. In a fit of rage, Mavesera armed himself with a Columbia knife and stabbed Mr Mhosva in the stomach, causing his intestines to protrude.
Prosecutor Mr Talent Tadenyika recounted the events, stating that Mavesera had closed the door to the bar, demanding to search everyone, while his friends Hamadziripi Ruzingini and Washington Gumbo stood guard.
“The accused stabbed the deceased once on the left thigh and stomach leaving the deceased with protruding intestines,” said Mr Tadenyika.
Mr Mhosva was rushed to St Theresa Hospital and later referred to Gweru Provincial Hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries.
One witness, Mr Naison Rutanhire, corroborated the prosecutor’s account, describing how Mavesera had stabbed Mr Mhosva and then attacked him, inflicting a wound on his inner right thigh.
“Mavesera lost his money, closed the door to the bar and demanded to search everyone. He demanded his knife from the owner of the bar. Gumbo and Ruzingini stood guard at the door to prevent anyone from escaping,” he told the court.
Mr Rutanhire said Mavesera charged towards Mr Mhosva who was close to the door and stabbed him in the stomach and left thigh. “Mhosva cried out and Mavesera advanced towards me and stabbed me once on the inner right thigh. I managed to escape and went to Guramatungu Clinic for medical treatment. I later learnt of Mhosva’s death,” he said.
Justice Ndlovu emphasised that Mavesera’s actions demonstrated bullying behaviour, and the court must condemn such actions.
“The accused committed the offence with deliberate intent, without any provocation as claimed. His actions, which included closing the door, ordering everyone down, and then producing a Colombia knife to stab the deceased, demonstrates bullying behaviour,” Justice Ndlovu said. “Notably, cases of murder by stabbing are increasing, and the court must send a strong message condemning such behaviour.
“He is sentenced to 17 years in prison.”
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