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Freedom Mupanedemo, Midlands Bureau
A Gokwe man is wanted by police after he ran amok and fatally stabbed a fellow patron and left another with a deep cut following a dispute over a cigarette.

The fugitive, Morris Zindonye of Mabhachi Village under Chief Njelele who was drinking beer at Marira Bottle Store in Gokwe town when he committed the crime, immediately went into hiding.

Acting police spokesperson for Midlands province, Assistant Inspector Ethel Mukwende said the incident occurred on Monday night.

She said the now deceased, Mr Ngonidzashe Shamira’s body was taken to Gokwe District Hospital mortuary.

Mr Tinashe Madziva who was left with a deep cut, was treated and discharged at the same hospital.

“Circumstances are that on Monday night at around 10 pm, Mr Shamira was drinking beer at Marifa Bottle Store with two friends.

Mr Shamira’s other friend,  Mr Madziva approached the suspect, Zindonye and asked if they could share the cigarette he was smoking and he refused.

Mr Madziva then asked for the lit cigarette so that he could light his own but again Zindonye refused,” said Asst Insp Mukwende.

She said Mr Madziva returned to where his friends were drinking and reported that Zindonye had refused to give him his cigarette.

“As they were still discussing the matter, Zindonye overheard them speaking and he confronted them. A misunderstanding ensued and Mr Madziva snatched a helmet, which Zindonye was putting on, said Asst Insp Mukwende.

“Zindonye drew a knife and stabbed Mr Madziva once in the arm and thereafter turned to Mr Shamira and stabbed him once in the shoulder. Mr Shamira collapsed and died on the spot.”

Asst Insp Mukwende said police have since launched a manhunt for Zindonye.

“We are appealing to members of the public with information that can lead to his arrest to approach any nearest police station,” she said.