A 22-year-old man died after being stabbed following a dispute at a nightclub in Mberengwa in the early hours of 25 March 2026, police have confirmed.
According to Midlands Provincial Community Relations Liaison Officer, Inspector Emmanuel Mahoko, the incident occurred at Deo Night Club at Yorks Business Centre at around 2am.
The now deceased, Elvis Gwatimba, was reportedly drinking beer with the suspect, Jimson Sibanda (19) of Village Jiti, Mberengwa, when a misunderstanding arose. It is alleged that Gwatimba began teasing Sibanda, accusing him of having contracted a sexually transmitted infection from a sex worker.
Inspector Mahoko said the remarks did not go down well with the suspect, who left the nightclub before returning approximately an hour later.
“The suspect allegedly returned to the premises and called the now deceased to a secluded place where he stabbed him once on the chest using a kitchen knife,” said Mahoko.
Gwatimba collapsed at the scene and was rushed to Mberengwa District Hospital by well-wishers, where he was pronounced dead upon admission.
Police investigations led to the arrest of Sibanda at a relative’s home in Village Munyamana under Chief Mapiravana. The suspected murder weapon, a kitchen knife, was recovered and is being held as an exhibit.
The suspect is currently in custody and is expected to appear in court facing murder charges once investigations are complete.
Inspector Mahoko urged members of the public to avoid resorting to violence when resolving disputes.
“Members of the public are encouraged to resolve disputes amicably to avoid unnecessary loss of life,” he said.
