Zimpapers Logo

Courtney Matende recently in Silobela
A 35-year-old-man from Silobela shot patrons at Dam Site Bottle Store at Insukamini Business Centre after an argument, leaving one dead and another critically injured.

The incident occurred on Independence Day at around 11pm when Mike Mlilo of Magola Village under Chief Masila in Silobela opened fire on patrons who were drinking beer at the bottle store after they accused him of flashing them with his vehicle lights.

Mlilo allegedly shot Gift Bhebhe in the neck and Xolani Magigwana in the left thigh.

Bhebhe died on the spot while Magigwana is battling for life at Lower Gweru Mission Hospital.

Mlilo appeared before Gweru magistrate Beaulity Dube on murder and attempted murder charges on Tuesday.

He was not asked to plead and was remanded in custody to May 3. Mlilo was advised to apply for bail at the High Court.

For the State, Mr Lovemore Mahachi said that on April 18, Mlilo was driving a white Ford Ranger twin cab and dropped off Innocent Mkandla at Dam Site Bottle Store, Insukamini Business Centre.

He said as Mlilo parked his vehicle, he was approached by a group of patrons that had machetes, knives and stones, who accused him of flashing them with his  headlights.

This, he said, led to a heated argument, resulting in Mlilo pulling out his Beretta 7.6 millimetre pistol and firing at Magigwana, hitting him in the thighs.

Mlilo allegedly fired a second shot which hit Bhebhe in the throat.

Mr Mahachi said Bhebhe collapsed and started bleeding profusely while Magigwana also fell to the ground.

Their colleagues fled in different directions.

Bhebhe and Magigwana were rushed to Lower Gweru Mission Hospital where Bhebhe was pronounced dead on arrival.

Magigwana sustained serious internal injuries and is battling for life at the hospital.

The matter was reported to police leading to Mlilo’s arrest.

Meanwhile, a Mvuma man has been arrested for allegedly raping his young sister after she was left in his custody by their mother.

The man (name withheld to protect the sister’s identity) appeared before Gweru regional magistrate Mrs Phathekile Msipa yesterday facing one count of rape.

He pleaded not guilty to the charge and was remanded in custody to May 13 for trial.

Representing the State, Mr Kevin Guvheya told the court that on November 25 in the morning, the accused (28) was allegedly asked to look after his young sister at their house in Mvuma while their mother went to attend a funeral wake.

The court heard that the accused allegedly went to his sister’s bedroom and found her sweeping the room.

He then raped her and fled from the scene after committing the crime.

“After raping his sister, the accused fled from the scene leaving the complainant crying in her bedroom. The mother found her still crying when she returned home,” he said.

Mr Guvheya said the complainant narrated her ordeal to her mother who took her to the police to report the crime.