Shebeen queens fight over patrons

THERE was drama at a shebeen in Nkulumane when two shebeen queens exchanged blows over patrons.

The two ladies are said to have been water and oil for a long time now after one identified as MaNkomo started accusing Thoko of poaching her clients as she was the first one to start selling beer.

There are reports that the two ladies have not been seeing eye to eye ever since Thoko who is said to be a former employee of MaNkomo started her own shebeen.

MaNkomo is alleged to have caused a scene after some of her patrons who had arrived at her place to quench their thirst told her that her beer was hot hence they were going KoThoko where they are saved ice cold beer.

This did not go down well with MaNkomo who is said to have followed her clients to their next destination accusing Thoko of stealing them.

One of the patrons said Thoko who could not take the blame is said to have told MaNkomo that she could not take good care of her clients that is why they flocked to her place.

"MaNkomo came here accusing Thoko of poaching her clients, the two exchanged harsh words and blows after Thoko told MaNkomo that she does not take good care of her patrons as she served them hot beer that is why they come to her place which is true," said the patron.

MaNkomo, however, said she is hurt by what Thoko did as she took away her business which is her only source of income.

"I was the first one to start this business years ago, and now she has also started her own just a few metres from where I live.

"The most painful thing is that she has now poached my clients, this is where I get my money as it is my only source of income," she said.

Thoko refuted allegations of poaching her neighbours clients saying they came on their own will.