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Midlands Bureau

A MAN suspected of fatally stabbing an imbiber outside Donga Bottle Store in Shurugwi following a misunderstanding over a Bluetooth speaker has been arrested.

Midlands provincial police spokesperson Inspector Emmanuel Mahoko confirmed the arrest of Tatenda Hove (24) of Village Gore under Chief Ndanga in Shurugwi on Sunday at a roadblock following a tip-off from members of the public.

“We are updating the general public on the arrest of a murder suspect Tatenda Hove on Sunday 9 November 2024 at 2:30pm. He appeared in court at Gweru on November 11. The arrest is in connection with the death of one Pardon Vengai (23) who was allegedly stabbed using a Colombian knife following a dispute over a Bluetooth speaker at Donga Bottle Store, Chachacha Business in Shurugwi last week,” he said.

Insp Mahoko said Hove was arrested at a roadblock along Chachacha Road following a tip-off from the public.

“The arrest comes as one of the many success stories of collaboration between the Police and the public. We thank the public for their understanding and answering to the call of working with the Police,” he said.

Vengai of Marira Village, under Chief Banga in Shurugwi was drinking beer at Donga Bottle Store in the company of Prince Vengai and Tawanda Siziba both aged 25.

Insp Mahoko said the trio were listening to music from a Bluetooth speaker which was owned by the now deceased.

“It is said that one Tatenda popularly known as Boss Tate entered the bottle store and took away the speaker from the trio,” he said.

Insp Mahoko said Pardon followed Tatenda in a bid to recover his speaker.

“Tatenda drew out a Colombian knife and upon seeing this Pardon tried to run away but was caught by Tatenda who stabbed him once in the back,” he said.

Pardon, Insp Mahoko said, fell down bleeding and became unconscious.

“Police attended the scene, and took Pardon to Zvamabande Hospital where he was transferred to Shurugwi District Hospital. He was further transferred to Gweru Provincial Hospital where he died on Wednesday last week,” he said.