By MKHOKHELI ZIBENGWA
The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) has expressed deep concern over a disturbing rise in murder cases occurring at beer outlets across the country, warning that petty disputes linked to alcohol consumption are increasingly escalating into fatal confrontations.
In a statement released on 9 December 2025, police detailed four murder incidents recorded between 1 and 7 December, each stemming from altercations at nightclubs, bottle stores, and other drinking spots.
According to the ZRP, the first incident occurred on 1 December 2025 in Beitbridge, where Taurai Hungwe (29) was allegedly stabbed in the chest with an okapi knife following an altercation with a suspect only identified as Prosper at a nightclub. Hungwe later died at Beitbridge District Hospital. The suspect is still at large.
On 4 December 2025, another fatal attack was reported at Claremont Business Centre in Fort Rixon. Kudakwashe Mudyanyevana (27) was struck on the head with an axe by a suspect known as Tshuks, who was reportedly in the company of four others. The group is said to have attacked patrons at a bottle store before striking Mudyanyevana, who died while being transported to Filabusi Hospital. Police are yet to arrest the suspects.
A third incident took place on 5 December 2025 at Chibhawabhawa, Battlefields, where Leonard Chidhoma (45) was assaulted by two unidentified suspects while drinking beer. The men accused Chidhoma of spreading falsehoods about them. His body was discovered in his room the following day.
Bulawayo recorded the fourth case on 7 December 2025, involving the death of Mongiwethu Godnows Dube (26). Police say Dube was fatally attacked after confronting Keith Dube (26) in a revenge attempt linked to a prior dispute at a sports bar in Magwegwe North, where beer had been splashed on a friend of the victim during a snooker game.
The ZRP is urging members of the public to exercise restraint, avoid violence, and resolve disputes peacefully. They also appealed for information that could assist in locating the suspects involved in the recent cases.
Police reiterated that they will intensify patrols and surveillance at beer outlets as part of efforts to curb violent crime during the festive season.
Authorities are calling on communities to cooperate with law enforcement and to report any suspicious or violent behaviour before it escalates into further loss of life.
