Man kills friend for refusing to share cigarette

A dispute over a cigarette led to the death of a man at the hands of a 23-year-old Bulawayo man who fell into a rage and struck the victim with a stone.

Takunda Mandizvidza, a resident of Old Luveve, allegedly struck Adam Chigwedere on the forehead with a stone after Chigwedere following an altercation over a cigarette.

Confirming the arrest, the police disclosed that the incident took place on November 21 at approximately 6 PM. According to Bulawayo provincial police spokesperson Assistant Inspector Nomalanga Msebele, the now-deceased Chigwedere had visited his 27-year-old friend in Luveve, where he encountered Mandizvidza and other acquaintances.

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Chigwedere requested a cigarette from Mandizvidza, who declined, leading to escalating tensions. In response, Chigwedere reportedly punched Mandizvidza once in the mouth, resulting in a cut on the accused’s lower lip.

Subsequently, Mandizvidza retaliated by striking Chigwedere on the forehead with a stone. The forceful blow caused Chigwedere to collapse and lose consciousness. Mandizvidza swiftly fled the scene following the assault. The incident was reported to the police, and Chigwedere was rushed to Mpilo (Central) Hospital, where he was admitted. Tragically, Chigwedere succumbed to his injuries the following day.

Asst Insp Msebele emphasized that Mandizvidza’s arrest was made in connection with the case. The investigation will now proceed to establish the full details surrounding the altercation and gather necessary evidence.

a male adult aged 27 years of Luveve Bulawayo. He found him with his other friends including the accused person. The now deceased asked for a cigarette from the accused person who refused and this did not sit well with him. He then assaulted the accused person with a fist once on the mouth and he sustained a cut on the lower lip,” said Bulawayo provincial police spokesperson Assistant Inspector Nomalanga Msebele.

She said Mandizvidza then hit Chigwedere once on the forehead with a stone before he collapsed and fell unconscious.

“The accused person then fled from the scene. A police report was made and the now deceased was taken to Mpilo (Central) Hospital where he was admitted and he passed away on the following day,” said Assistant Insp Msebele.