Man struck dead with log…as another one stabbed for refusing to buy beer.

Danisa Masuku

A man from Lower Gweru in Midlands province has been arrested for allegedly fatally striking his drinking partner with a log.

The incident happened near Ntabamhlophe Bottle Store at around 11pm last week on Sunday.

A villager who identified himself as Timothy said Thembalani Tshuma (29) was boozing with his friend Nkosentsha Mkhize at the bottle store in question.

Timothy said all was well until the pair were locked in a fierce argument and later exchanged harsh words.

The verbal war degenerated into a fistfight.

Sensing defeat Mkhize reportedly took a log and used it to hit his friend .

“Mkhize ran berserk and picked up a log which he used to severely hit him with. Tshuma cried for help, but no one came to his rescue. He died on the spot as a result of the attack,” said Timothy.

The incident was reported to the police leading to the arrest of Mkhize.

In a related incident Aram Dube (37) from Gokwe North under Chief Chireya is battling for his life at Gokwe District Hospital after he was severely attacked by two men he had refused to buy beer.

A source said the two men only identified as Abraham and Thembelani approached Dube and requested him to buy them beer, but he refused.

They exchanged harsh words, and a fist fight broke out.

“During the fight, the two men hit him with fists and kicked him with booted feet before one of them stabbed him. After being stabbed he fell down and lay unconscious,” said the source.

Dube was immediately rushed to Gokwe District Hospital for medical attention.

Midlands police spokesperson Inspector Emmanuel Mahoko confirmed both incidents and discouraged members of the public from resorting to violence when they are faced with disputes.