By A Correspondent- A 25 year old Tsholotsho man killed his friend after accusing him of stealing his Mobicel cellphone.

Qedamandla Mpala of Gandisa Village under Headman Maduma was yesterday arrested for killing his friend Ernest Ncube (20) over a Mobicel cellphone.

Mpala who always suspected that his friend had stolen his cellphone reportedly asked Ncube on Wednesday last week to accompany him to Bubude Business Centre.

Along the way, Mpala allegedly confronted the now-deceased over the issue but he denied stealing the phone.

Mpala did not believe him, instead, he allegedly threatened to stab Ncube with an okapi knife before hog-tying him.

He went on to cut a switch and repeatedly struck Ncube on the stomach.

When Ncube continued insisting he did not know anything about the missing phone, Mpala allegedly got angry and hit him on the stomach with the back of an axe before raining kicks on him.

An enraged Mpala left his friend tied up.

After a few struggles, Ncube managed to free himself and went home to sleep.

The following day, he started vomiting blood and was taken to Bubude Clinic where he was referred to Tsholotsho Hospital.

The Chronicle reports that Ncube was treated and discharged but died at home that night on Thursday.

Matabeleland North province police spokesperson Inspector Glory Banda confirmed the murder and urged members of the public to solve their disputes amicably.

He also warned that perpetrators of violence will be dealt with.

“Members of the public should never resort to violence whenever a misunderstanding ensues. We urge them to engage third parties such as clergymen, the elderly as well as the Zimbabwe Republic police for arbitration,” he said.