A quarrel over a pool token and another over a cigarette lighter have left two men dead in separate incidents in Mberengwa and Shurugwi, with police warning that petty disputes are increasingly ending in deadly violence.
Police have arrested Tapiwa Murozvi Moyo (29) in connection with the killing of Tawanda Moyo (34) at Greenspan Business Centre in Mberengwa on 4 July.
According to ZRP Midlands spokesperson Inspector Emmanuel Mahoko, the two men were playing pool when an argument erupted over a pool token. Fellow patrons tried to intervene, but the fight escalated. Murozvi allegedly picked up a brick and struck Tawanda on the head, killing him instantly.
Less than 24 hours later, another seemingly trivial disagreement turned fatal at Sherekete Business Centre under Chief Nhema in Shurugwi.
Inspector Mahoko said allegations are that John Maketo (30) asked Chamunorwa Mudzingwa for a cigarette lighter. When the request was refused, Maketo allegedly became enraged and attacked Mudzingwa twice with a machete. The victim died at the scene.
Both suspects have been arrested and are expected to stand trial in the High Court once investigations are complete.
Police have urged members of the public to resolve disputes peacefully, warning that momentary anger can have lifelong consequences for victims, families and offenders alike.
