By Crime and Courts Reporter-Tongai Moyo of Triangle, Mwenezi, narrowly escaped death on Christmas day during a beer-drinking spree after a stone thrown by his friend missed him and struck another man, killing him instantly.

Police said Mastard Chauke (22) had a heated misunderstanding with Tongai Moyo after being bumped into at Machipisa Tuckshops. 

In a fit of rage, Chauke hurled a stone at Moyo, but it fatally hit Ostern Mangaru (29) on the chest. Mangaru collapsed and died on the spot.

The incident was highlighted by police while raising alarm over the rise in murder cases during the Christmas holiday, with 47 cases recorded nationwide.

Posted the Police Friday: 

The Zimbabwe Republic Police is concerned with the number of murder cases which are being recorded throughout the country. 47 cases of murder have been received during the period 20th December 2024 to 26th December 2024.

The Zimbabwe Republic Police has established that the murder cases are emanating from disputes at beer drinkingbinges or sporting activities, family and community disputes during gatherings, attacks by unknown suspects while walking at night, the settling of scores during Christmas Day by individuals and groups, and fighting over girlfriends, among others.

In one of the cases which occurred on 25th December 2024 at around 1900 hours at Machipisa Tuckshops, Mwenezi, Triangle, Mastard Chauke (22) had a misunderstanding with Tongai Moyo, who had bumped into him during a beer drinking spree. Mastard Chauke threw a stone towards Tongai Moyo, which hit Ostern Mangaru (29) on the chest instead. The victim fell on the ground and died on the spot.

In another murder case which occurred on 25th December 2024 at around 2100 hours, Learnmore Mudzengi (36)stabbed Sydney Mudzengi (21) with a Colombian knife once on the chest at Musavezi Business Centre, Shurugwi. The suspect allegedly had a misunderstanding with the victim over a token which went missing whilst playing pool. After committing the offence, the…