Whisky killer denies attacking victim

A 20-year-old Gwanda man bludgeoned a neighbour to death with a knobkerrie in a fight over whisky.

Tawanda Nkomo appeared in court yesterday charged with murder of Nkosinomsa Mafu, 49, on January 3, 2012 outside Gwanda town.

The two were part of a group of villagers who had gathered for collective labour (ilima) to till a neighbour's maize field.

It is said at around 10AM about six men, all elderly except Nkomo then aged 18, sat under a tree to drink opaque beer which was being distributed by Mafu.

Prosecutors say a misunderstanding arose between Mafu and Nkomo, after the former suggested that a 750ml bottle of whisky be diluted.

Nkomo, a Form One drop-out, was employed as a herdboy at Ernest Bhebhe's homestead where the villagers had gathered to work in the fields.

Incensed by Mafu's refusal to dilute the whisky, Nkomo went to the homestead and came back armed with a knobkerrie which he allegedly used to assault Nkomo all over the body while the other imbibers watched helplessly.

Nkomo has however denied attacking Mafu claiming that Augustine Dube and Busani Ndlovu were the ones who kicked and trampled on him.

Witness, Alson Tshuma, 51, told Bulawayo High Court judge Justice Lawrence Kamocha that he rebuked Nkomo on numerous occasions as he quarrelled with Mafu. Tshuma said he watched helplessly as Nkomo struck Mafu several times.

Simbarashe Timothy is representing the State while Nozabelo Ndlovu from Cheda and Partners is representing Nkomo pro deo.