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Oswell Moyo Chronicle Reporter
A FRUIT vendor from Makokoba suburb in Bulawayo survived death by a whisker after he was stabbed by a man who was demanding R2 from his (vendor’s) live-in girlfriend.The incident happened at a shebeen in Bulawayo’s oldest suburb on Sunday at around 10PM.

Msilisi Magutshwa, 31, is now battling for his life at Mpilo Central Hospital after his stomach was allegedly ripped open and was also stabbed in the chest by Michael Mhlanga during a beer drink at a house in the suburb.  It is reported that Magutshwa accused Mhlanga of nagging his live-in girlfriend, Thembi Ndlovu, by continuously asking for R2 from her.

Magutshwa’s aunt, Elizabeth Gumede said the family was shocked when it received news that he had been stabbed at a local shebeen.

“We received a call at around 10PM informing us that Msilisi had been stabbed by Michael at a  shebeen. I’m told Michael, who is one of our neighbours, had asked for R2 from Thembi, who is a live-in girlfriend of my nephew. Msilisi then asked Michael why he was always asking for R2 from his girlfriend.

“This angered Michael who started punching Msilisi.They started fighting and Michael proceeded to the kitchen where he took a kitchen knife and stabbed my nephew on the stomach leaving intestines protruding,” said Gumede.

She said the attack on her nephew was not the first such incident to occur at the shebeen.

Gumede said as residents, they now wanted the shebeen to be closed.

Msilisi’s mother, Saziso Gumede said her son was in a critical condition as he was facing difficulties in breathing.

“My son is having difficulties in breathing. The doctor advised us not to give him food,” said Saziso.

Bulawayo Metropolitan province police spokesperson, Inspector Mandlenkosi Moyo confirmed receiving a report of the shebeen violence.

He said the suspect was still at large and police have since launched a manhunt.

“We’ve launched a manhunt for the suspect in connection with the stabbing of a man in Makokoba. We’re appealing to members of the public who may know the whereabouts of the suspect to alert the nearest police station. Alternatively, they can dial police toll free 110 or Bulawayo hotline 09-885479,” said Insp Moyo.

Insp Moyo urged members of the public to resolve differences amicably without resorting to violence.

Last year, four teenagers from Makokoba were arrested after they stabbed to death a boy they accused of dating one of the accused’s girlfriend.