Man Accused Of Killing His Workmate Over A US$26 Debt Applies For Discharge

A man accused of killing his workmate over a US$26 debt has applied for a discharge with the courts.

The Bulawayo High Court is set to rule on a discharge application filed by a 37-year-old artisanal miner accused of fatally stabbing his coworker in a dispute over a $26 debt in Fort Rixon.

Johane Muzvondiwa stands charged with the May 2024 killing of 25-year-old Trust Muzvondiwa at Pioneer Village 3 Business Centre in Insiza District. The prosecution alleges the violent encounter followed a drinking session where the debt repayment argument turned deadly.

Man Accused Of Killing Workmate Over A US$26 Debt

State witnesses testified that the confrontation escalated when the accused allegedly produced an Okapi knife, inflicting fatal wounds to the victim’s chest and neck. Key testimony came from Sylvester Mapulanka (the victim’s uncle), who reported intervention attempts and Knowledge Zondewa and Alfred Madzivire, who recounted alleged threats.

ALSO READ: No More Teacher Transfers: Govt Bans Mid-Year Transfers for Grade 7, O-Level, and A-Level Teachers

Prosecutors presented what they claim is the murder weapon – a blood-stained knife allegedly found in the accused’s possession – along with corroborating medical reports.

Defense’s Counterarguments

Represented by Nozabelo Law Chambers, Muzvondiwa presented a contrasting narrative in his defence outline:

“The deceased and I separated peacefully after discussing the debt. I remained at Sugar-Sugar bar and only learned of the stabbing later. I deny all allegations and maintain the knife evidence is circumstantial.”

Legal Challenge

The defence’s discharge motion under Section 198(3) of the Criminal Procedure and Evidence Act highlights that alleged witness inconsistencies regarding event sequencing, questions about the knife’s chain of custody, lack of direct eyewitnesses to the stabbing and disputed motive given the small debt amount.

ALSO READ: Ecobank Heist Suspect Linked to R2 Million Bank Robbery in Bulawayo

The court must now determine whether the prosecution established sufficient evidence to proceed or if the defence’s arguments warrant case dismissal. The ruling will decide if Muzvondiwa stands trial or walks free.