Three cousins from Jotsholo in Lupane were arrested for allegedly taking turns to assault a police officer at a beer drink on Christmas Day leading to his death a day later.
The suspects, Lizwe Tshuma (18), Nowell Tshuma (20) and Forget Tshuma (20), all of Sikhali 1 village under Chief Mabhikwa, recently appeared in court for the murder of Mandleni Ncube (31) of the same village.
They were not asked to plead to murder when they appeared before Lupane resident magistrate Ndumo Masuku.
The three suspects were remanded in custody to 12 January 2023 and were advised to apply to the High Court for bail.
The court heard that the murder took place at Jabhiwa business centre in Jotsholo on Christmas Day. Prosecutor Zandile Lauren Ndebele said:
<blockquote>
On the 25th of December at around 11:30 PM the deceased was standing at the veranda of Saphiwa Kuhle store wearing a police uniform.
He was greeted by the informant Sicelo Moyo who was heading to where some people were drinking.
Moments later the informant heard a noise coming from the direction where the deceased was where he was having an argument with one Makhosi Mpala which prompted him to go outside the bar and check.
</blockquote>
It was alleged that while the now-deceased policeman was arguing with Mpala, Lizwe approached from the back holding a knobkerrie.
Lizwe allegedly struck the cop once on the head and ran away.
The deceased fell down on his face and became unconscious.
The court heard that Nowell came with a log and hit him once on the back of the thighs and ran away.
Forget also came and struck the cop with an empty bottle of beer on the head and fled, the court heard.
Ndebele said the informant tried to render first aid by pouring water on an unconscious Ncube who was bleeding from the mouth and nose but to no avail.
Ncube was then rushed to Tshongogwe Hospital where he was transferred to St Luke’s Hospital but he died on admission.
A report was made to the police leading to the arrest of the three cousins. | <a href="https://www.chronicle.co.zw/cousins-beat-cop-to-death/">Chronicle</a>

Pindula News

Three Cousins Fatally Assault Policeman On Christmas Day

The rising cost of living, inflation hovering over 250 per cent as well as a weak local currency meant that arguably millions of Zimbabweans could not enjoy Christmas as much as they would have wanted.
A survey carried out by <a href="https://www.newsday.co.zw/thestandard/news/article/200005511/christmas-without-the-cheer">The Standard</a> revealed that the majority of adult Zimbabweans would rather set aside the little saved during a difficult year for increased school fees, and high prices of uniforms and stationery.
Economic commentator Gift Mugano said this year’s festive season is a difficult one for the majority of Zimbabweans. Said Mugano:
<blockquote>
The starting point to note is that 49% of people in Zimbabwe are living in extreme poverty.
When you are in extreme poverty, you are living on less than US$1 a day.
So it means that for that segment of the population it’s in a mess.
They don’t have enough resources to celebrate the festive season.
</blockquote>
He also noted that the high tare of inflation coupled with almost stagnant salaries eroded disposable incomes. Said Mugano:
<blockquote>
It means the prices are increasing at a faster rate. Employers cannot compensate their workers enough.
Aggregate and that average demand have been falling by an average of 33%.
This has an impact on income going to companies and they are also constrained to pay their employees.
So we are getting into Christmas, the festive season, without money.
So for parents who are struggling, it does not make sense to spend money on Christmas festivities or New Year celebrations and then get stuck in as far as payment of fees is concerned.
</blockquote>
Meanwhile, the Confederation of Zimbabwe Retailers (CZR) president, Denford Mutashu said retailers had tried to cushion their customers. He said:
<blockquote>
We have consistently lobbied and advocated for not only a friendlier policy environment but for business to price responsibly.
The stability enjoyed in the last quarter of the year is a direct result of government and business engagement which the association has been part of.
</blockquote>

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