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Walter Mswazie, Masvingo correspondent
A CHIREDZI man allegedly fatally assaulted a fellow imbiber following a dispute over the use of a machete, police have confirmed.

Tozvireva Tozvireva (38) of Chipimbi Farm, Mkwasine allegedly punched and kicked Joseph Nkomo (48) on the ribs until he became unconscious. Nkomo was rushed to the clinic where he died on arrival.

Masvingo acting police spokesperson Sergeant Chrispen Gwashu said the incident occurred on Friday at around 6PM. He said Nkomo’s body was taken to Chiredzi District Hospital for post-mortem.

“Police are investigating a murder case which occurred in Mkwasine, Chiredzi involving two revellers. The deceased was allegedly assaulted over payment for his machete that the accused had borrowed. The accused has since been arrested and is assisting police with investigations.

“He will appear in court soon facing murder charges. The deceased’s body was taken to Chiredzi hospital for post-mortem,” said Sgt Gwashu.

He said Tozvireva and Nkomo were drinking traditional beer at Plot 240 when they had a misunderstanding.

Nkomo allegedly asked for his machete that Tozvireva borrowed some time back.

Sgt Gwashu said Nkomo allegedly complained that Tozvireva had kept the machete for too long, hence he was supposed to pay for using it.

“At around 6PM the two then left the beer drink and headed to Tozvireva’s homestead on the same farm. Upon arrival, they found Tozvireva’s sister, Ms Elyness (35) guarding a maize field against monkeys. Ms Elyness took the machete from one of the huts and gave it to Nkomo but he refused to leave,” said Sgt Gwashu.

He said Nkomo remained standing arguing that Tozvireva ought to pay him.

This angered the latter and he started shoving Nkomo ordering him to leave.

After realising that Nkomo was not willing to leave the homestead, Tozvireva allegedly started assaulting him with fists and kicking him on the ribs with booted feet until he fell down and became unconscious.

Nkomo was rushed to Chipimbi Clinic where he died upon arrival.-@walterbmswazie2