Dembare fan fatally stabs FC Platinum fan

A Dynamos fan who could not stomach the fact that his team had been clobbered 1-3 by FC Platinum in a match played at Mandava Stadium on Saturday went on a rampage and allegedly fatally stabbed an FC Platinum supporter before injuring another soon after the match. The tragic incident occurred in Mandava high density suburb, Zvishavane, at around 5.30 PM when Tafara Shava, 32, allegedly attacked Albert Sibanda, 17, and his brother Reveal (whose age was not given) with an Okapi knife following a misunderstanding.

Sources from the asbestos mining town alleged Shava met Sibanda who was with his three siblings at Chiedza Hall, in Mandava, while he was coming from an Econet Shop where he had gone to withdraw money.

The source who spoke on condition of anonymity said Shava and Sibanda who knew each other met and started discussing the match. Sibanda was speaking in favour of FC Platinum and this did not go down well with Shava. "A heated argument ensued between the two resulting in Shava drawing an Okapi knife from his pocket and trying to stab Sibanda but he missed. Sibanda ran away," said the source.

"Shava chased after Sibanda and caught up with him after a few metres. He tripped him to the ground before stabbing him on the left side of his back. Sibanda's brother, Reveal, tried to restrain Shava but was also stabbed on the left arm." The source said Shava was then arrested by a member of the neighbourhood watch committee, Stephen Phiri and taken to Zvishavane Police Station where he is still in custody assisting with investigations.

"Sibanda who was bleeding profusely following the stabbing, was rushed to Zvishavane District Hospital where he died upon admission," said the source. Shava is likely to appear in court soon. Midlands provincial police spokesperson Inspector Joel Goko could neither deny nor confirm the incident.