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Sukulwenkosi Dube, Plumtree Correspondent
A 28-YEAR-OLD man from Matobo District who fatally assaulted an 18-year-old teenager who had stabbed him over an unpaid $5 debt, has appeared in court facing murder charges.

Isaac Tshuma struck Mduduzi Sibanda with a log several times all over the body and left him for dead.

Sibanda was rushed to the United Bulawayo Hospitals on the following morning and was pronounced dead on admission.

The court heard that Sibanda met Tshuma who was carrying some groceries and confronted him over the $5 which he owed him. Tshuma is said to have told Sibanda that he did not have any money and this did not go down well with the teenager who then demanded Tshuma’s groceries leading to the altercation.

Tshuma who appeared before Plumtree magistrate, Livard Philemon, was remanded in custody to January 23.

Prosecuting, Jane Phiri said Tshuma is alleged to have fatally assaulted Sibanda on January 8.

“On January 8, near Samdindi River in Ntunjambili area, Sibanda met Tshuma who was coming from the shops carrying groceries. The teenager demanded his $5 from Tshuma who indicated that he had no money.

“This didn’t please the teenager who then inquired how Tshuma was able to buy groceries if he did not have any money.

“Sibanda then demanded the groceries in place of the money and when Tshuma refused with the groceries, Sibanda picked up a stone and struck him on the forehead. He thereafter stabbed him with an Okapi knife,” said Phiri.

She said Tshuma armed himself with a log and assaulted Sibanda all over the body and left him unconscious.

Phiri said Tshuma was found on the following morning by Peacemore Dube who alerted other villagers.

She said Sibanda was bleeding from the nose and mouth and was rushed to UBH where he died on admission.