Patron killed over 20 cents

A MAN from Methodist village on the outskirts of Bulawayo, who was selling beer at his house, allegedly clobbered a customer to death with a knobkerrie following a misunderstanding over 20 cents.

Nkosilathi Moyo (20) was arrested for allegedly killing Marvelous Ncube (20) after he had insisted on buying beer with a $1 instead of the required $1.20.

Moyo, who is in police custody, is assisting police with investigations and will appear in court soon. The attack occurred at around 5PM on Wednesday and Ncube was found dead by his brother Mthokozisi who had come to visit him the following morning at around 7AM.

Police said the body was taken to the United Bulawayo Hospitals for post mortem. Bulawayo acting police spokesperson Inspector Abednico Ncube said Moyo was arrested on Thursday after the discovery of Marvelous' body.

"I can confirm we received a report of a 20-year-old man from Methodist village who allegedly assaulted his neighbour resulting in his death. He bashed him several times with a knobkerrie until he fell unconscious.

"He later rose and went to his house, a few metres away, only to be discovered dead the next morning. We suspect he may have died during night and the now deceased's brother who had come to visit, discovered the body in his bedroom," he said.

Insp Ncube said a report was made to the police and the suspect was arrested.

"He is in custody and is assisting police with investigations. He will appear in court soon," said the police spokesperson.

"We warn youths to refrain from drug and alcohol abuse because no-one in his proper senses can attack anyone over 20 cents. Surely we can't continue to lose lives over such petty issues, matters that can be resolved with the word of mouth."

A neighbour who only identified himself as Mabwe said Ncube went to buy beer from Moyo, a known beer vendor but was told his money was not enough as he had increased the price by 20 cents. "Nkosi told Marvelous that beer had gone up to $1.20 from a $1.

Marvelous insisted on buying with the $1. A misunderstanding ensued between the two and Nkosi went inside his house and grabbed a knobkerrie. "He clobbered him until he fell to the ground and became unconscious. Neighbours revived him and he went to his house. In the morning, we heard that he was found dead," he said.