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Vic Falls man kills team mate with pool stick
3 hrs ago |
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A 29-year-old man from Victoria Falls has appeared in court facing a murder charge after allegedly striking his snooker teammate with a wooden pool stick during a dispute.
Derick Phiri appeared before Magistrate Fadzai Dzimiri at the Victoria Falls Magistrates Court on Monday, where he was remanded in custody to April 19, 2026.
The court heard that on March 29, at around 6PM, Phiri and the now deceased, Meluleki Sibanda (34), were watching a game of pool at Mkhosana Shopping Centre when a misunderstanding arose.
Prosecutor Daphne Ntini told the court that during the altercation, Phiri allegedly picked up a pool stick and struck Sibanda once on the head.
The incident was reported at Victoria Falls Police Station, leading to Phiri's arrest. Sibanda was rushed to hospital and admitted at Victoria Falls Hospital for treatment.
According to court papers, his condition deteriorated days later, and on April 3 he was referred to Bulawayo for further medical care. However, he died en route.
Phiri has been charged with murder as defined in Section 47(1) of the Criminal Law (Codification and Reform Act).
The State alleges that evidence linking Phiri to the offence includes his own admission as well as eyewitness accounts from individuals who reportedly saw the assault.
Family members of the deceased, who attended court proceedings, were visibly distraught and declined to comment.
Sibanda, described by acquaintances as a passionate snooker player and regular at Mkhosana Shopping Centre, is survived by a young family.
Residents said the two men were known to be friends and teammates who frequently played together at the Tipotipo pool tables.
"It is heartbreaking. They were friends one moment, and now one is dead and the other is in custody over a game," said one resident.
Derick Phiri appeared before Magistrate Fadzai Dzimiri at the Victoria Falls Magistrates Court on Monday, where he was remanded in custody to April 19, 2026.
The court heard that on March 29, at around 6PM, Phiri and the now deceased, Meluleki Sibanda (34), were watching a game of pool at Mkhosana Shopping Centre when a misunderstanding arose.
Prosecutor Daphne Ntini told the court that during the altercation, Phiri allegedly picked up a pool stick and struck Sibanda once on the head.
The incident was reported at Victoria Falls Police Station, leading to Phiri's arrest. Sibanda was rushed to hospital and admitted at Victoria Falls Hospital for treatment.
According to court papers, his condition deteriorated days later, and on April 3 he was referred to Bulawayo for further medical care. However, he died en route.
The State alleges that evidence linking Phiri to the offence includes his own admission as well as eyewitness accounts from individuals who reportedly saw the assault.
Family members of the deceased, who attended court proceedings, were visibly distraught and declined to comment.
Sibanda, described by acquaintances as a passionate snooker player and regular at Mkhosana Shopping Centre, is survived by a young family.
Residents said the two men were known to be friends and teammates who frequently played together at the Tipotipo pool tables.
"It is heartbreaking. They were friends one moment, and now one is dead and the other is in custody over a game," said one resident.
Source - The Chronicle
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