The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) has expressed serious concern over a disturbing rise in murder cases occurring at nightclubs, bottle stores and other beer-drinking spots across the country. Many of the incidents are reportedly escalating from minor disputes into deadly confrontations, prompting authorities to call for greater vigilance and restraint among members of the public.
According to ZRP reports, four murder cases were recorded between 1 and 7 December 2025, all linked to violent altercations at leisure venues.
The first incident occurred on 1 December 2025 in Beitbridge, when Taurai Hungwe (29) was allegedly stabbed once in the chest with an okapi knife by a suspect only identified as Prosper. The attack reportedly followed an argument over an undisclosed issue at a local nightclub. Hungwe was rushed to Beitbridge District Hospital but succumbed to his injuries two days later, on 3 December. The suspect fled the scene and remains at large.
Three days later, on 4 December 2025, another fatal incident was recorded at Claremont Business Centre in Fort Rixon. Kudakwashe Mudyanevana (27) was struck on the head with an axe by a suspect known only as Tshuks. The assailant, who was reportedly in the company of four accomplices, is alleged to have attacked unsuspecting patrons at a bottle store before fatally injuring Mudyanevana. The victim died while being transported to Filabusi Hospital. All suspects are still being sought by police.
In a separate case on 5 December 2025, Leonard Chidhoma (45) was fatally assaulted by two unidentified men while drinking beer at Chibhawabhawa in Battlefields. The suspects accused the victim of spreading false information about them. Chidhoma’s body was discovered in his room the following day.
The latest murder was recorded on 7 December 2025 in Bulawayo’s Magwegwe North suburb. Mongiwethu Godnows Dube (26) was killed after confronting Keith Dube (26) in an alleged revenge attack. The confrontation reportedly stemmed from an earlier incident in which Keith Dube had splashed beer on the victim’s friend during a snooker game at a local sports bar. The encounter turned violent, leading to Mongiwethu Dube’s death.
Police say the pattern of violence linked to petty disagreements at entertainment spots is worrisome. They have urged members of the public to resolve disputes peacefully, avoid excessive alcohol consumption, and immediately report aggressive behaviour before it escalates.
