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Takudzwa Chiwereweshe Manicaland Bureau
A 45-year-old Buhera man has been jailed for 14 years after being found guilty of fatally stabbing his younger brother, Tinofa Zinyemba, following a brawl over music from a cellphone.

Ngoni Zinyemba of Mudinzwa Village under Chief Nyashanu was convicted of murdering Tinofa by Mutare High Court judge Justice Joseph Musakwa.

Prosecutor Mr Jonathan Chingwinyiso said on October 15, 2016, Tinofa visited his mother, Maria Mawire, at her homestead in Mudinzwa Village and found her seated by the fireplace outside the kitchen.

It was around 9.30pm.

After exchanging pleasantries, Tinofa started discussing the medical condition of their relative who was admitted at Murambinda Hospital.

Ngoni’s son went to sit next to Tinofa, while playing music from his cellphone.

Tinofa then asked his brother’s son to stop playing music from his phone, as it was a sign of disrespect to the elderly who were in the midst of an important discussion.

Ngoni’s son refused, arguing that it was tantamount to abuse.

He also threatened to lodge a complaint with the police in the event that he continued trying to stop him from playing the music.

This angered Tinofa, who threatened to discipline him.

In retaliation, Ngoni’s son picked up a brick and threatened to attack Tinofa, while the argument got more heated.

The two wrestled and during the melee, Tinofa hit Ngoni’s son with the brick on the head.

Realising that his son was being overpowered, Ngoni joined in the fracas.

He accused Tinofa of assaulting his son and they started fighting.

Tinofa was then stabbed in the chest and once in the neck, leading to his death.

Ngoni was arrested as a result.