Man killed at drinking party

A BEER-DRINKING party ended in tragedy after a 24-year-old Nkayi man was fatally assaulted by his drinking mates.

Matabeleland North provincial police spokesperson Inspector Siphiwe Makonese confirmed the incident which occurred on Friday at around 10pm at Zenka village under Chief Tshugulu in Nkayi.

"On the 10th, the now deceased, identified as Fanyana Ndlovu (24) of Ronny Ndlovu's homestead at Zenka, was drinking traditional beer at Jabulani Ncube's homestead in the same village," Makonese said.

"Fanyana Ndlovu was drinking beer together with the three accused, Josiah Ncube (32), Lungani Ncube (21), who reside at Josiah Ncube's homestead, and Mayibongwe Ncube (20) of Mkhethwa Ncube's homestead."

Makonese said during the beer-drinking party, a misunderstanding arose between Josiah and the deceased, leading to Josiah assaulting Ndlovu all over.

"During the melee, Lungani Ncube who is Josiah's son, intervened by punching Fanyana on the cheek," he said.

Makonese said Josiah then dragged Fanyana for about 15 metres from the kitchen hut before Mayibongwe and Lungani assaulted Fanyana all over the body with Mayibongwe using a knobkerrie and Lungani using a burning log until he became unconscious.

"Elliot Ncube later intervened and assisted Fanyana together with other patrons who carried him to his homestead where his condition deteriorated," she said.

Makonese said Fanyana was taken to Zenka Clinic in Nkayi the next day around 5am, where he died on arrival.

A report was made to the police at Nkayi, leading to the arrest of Josiah and Lungani, but Mayibongwe is still at large.