Farmer killed over spilt beer

A Chiredzi farmer died in hospital after he was allegedly struck with a stone on the forehead by a fellow farmer who accused him of spilling four litres of Chibuku Super over the weekend. Howard Masengwe(32), a sugar cane farmer at Mkwasine Estates, succumbed to severe head injuries at Chiredzi District Hospital about eight hours after being attacked by John Kunaka (36).

Kunaka has since appeared before Chiredzi magistrate Ms Constance Mutandwa facing murder charges. He was not asked to plead by Ms Mutandwa, who remanded him in custody to November 26 after advising him to apply for bail at the High Court last Saturday. Agreed facts are that on Friday last week, Kunaka and the deceased were among patrons drinking beer at Scotblock beerhall at Mkwasine Estates.

Masengwe allegedly accidentally spilt about four plastic bottles of Chibuku Super that belonged to Kunaka and an altercation ensued. In a fit of rage, Kunaka allegedly picked up a stone and struck Masengwe once on the forehead, causing him to collapse on the ground.

Masengwe claimed that he wanted to use part of the Chibuku Super beer to pay his casual labourers. Kunaka was rushed to Chiredzi Hospital where he succumbed to his injuries about eight hours later. A report was made to Mkwasine police leading to Masengwe's arrest.

Mr Liberty Hove appeared for the State.