Nkosile Khumalo
Bulawayo – In a chilling start to the new year, a local man has been arrested following a violent confrontation at a Bulawayo beer garden, leading to one man’s death. Thembalenkosi Mlotshwa, 29, handed himself over to the Zimbabwe Republic Police after allegedly stabbing his drinking companion multiple times during an argument over beer.
The incident unfolded on January 1, 2025, at approximately 7:45 AM in Pumula old, where the two men were enjoying drinks. What began as a typical morning turned deadly when an altercation escalated. “The complainant hit the accused once on the head with an empty beer bottle,” explained Assistant Inspector Nomalanga Msebele. “The accused person then drew a knife from his pocket and stabbed the complainant several times in the stomach. The complainant sustained cuts on the stomach, and his intestines were protruding.”
Tragically, the victim was rushed to Mpilo Central Hospital but was pronounced dead at 11:00 AM on the same day. The murder weapon, identified as an okapi knife, was recovered when Mlotshwa surrendered himself to the police on January 5, 2025.
This gruesome event has sparked a renewed call for peace and non-violence from local authorities. “We urge members of the public to desist from violent conduct as this leads to unnecessary loss of lives,” stated the Zimbabwe Republic Police. They further advised, “We also discourage the public from carrying dangerous weapons in public places.”
This incident not only highlights the dangers of resolving disputes with violence but also serves as a stark reminder of how quickly a social situation can turn deadly. The community of Bulawayo is now grappling with the aftermath, urging for stronger community bonds and peaceful resolutions to conflicts.
As the investigation continues, the police are committed to ensuring justice is served, while the local community mourns and reflects on the impact of violence in their midst.
