9 men bludgeon neighbour to death in bar

Zim Now Writer

Nine people fatally assaulted a patron at a bar after he refused to lie down when the other patrons who had been ordered to do so had complied.

The incident happened in Gokwe South in the Midlands Province and police have since launched a manhunt for eight of the suspects after one, Fortwell Mhlupeki, 38, was arrested.

Midlands provincial police spokesperson Inspector, Emmanuel Mahoko said police are investigating the murder of Emerson Martin Dube of Sihlupeke Village under Chief Njelele in Gokwe South by nine suspects March 23.

“The police have launched a manhunt for eight men in connection with the murder of another man who was among beer-drinking patrons in a bar at Gababe Business Centre, Gokwe South on Thursday. The incident happened at about 9pm,” Insp Mahoko said.

He said it is alleged that Dube and a number of other people were in a bar when the nine suspects entered armed with axes, logs and spears.

The suspects ordered all the patrons to lie down without disclosing the motive.

“Everyone complied, with the exception of Dube. This angered the nine, who then took turns to assault him using logs, axes and spears,” he said.

Insp Mahoko said Dube died on the spot, adding that his body is being held at Gokwe South District Hospital mortuary pending a post-mortem as investigations continue.

He said preliminary police investigations by police who attended the scene established that Dube and the nine suspects reside in neighbouring villages.

“One suspect, Fortwell Mhlupeki, 38, was arrested in connection with the case. Police are keen to locate and interview the following eight other suspects: Nelson Silemba, Benzis Dube, Calisto Mpofu, Khulani Dube, Nkatazo Ngwenya, Bhekimpilo Mpofu, Nkosilathi Tshuma and one is only known as Wellington, who all reside in Sithutha Village under Chief Njelele in Gokwe South,” said Insp Mahoko.

Insp Mahoko appealed to members of the public for information on the whereabouts of the eight suspects.