The magistrate, Mr Joshua Nembaware, said there was a worrying trend where knives have been used to commit murder cases, adding that most k!llings were committed by close relatives, friends and lovers at beer binges. He urged conflict resolution strategies to be put in place.
He raised the issue during the court appearance of Takesure Mpofu (20) from Matsota Village under Chief Tshitshi in Mphoengs who was facing a m_rder charge for the fatal st@bbing of Thabo Ncube (19) from the same area. Takesure was not asked to plead and was remanded in custody to 22 January. He was advised to apply for bail at the High Court.
Mr Nembaware said the m_rder cases underscores the need for community engagement, conflict resolution strategies and law enforcement measures to promote peace and safety in the region.
On 15 December Pennywell Ndlovu (19) from Khekhethe Village under Chief Manguba in Madlambuzi appeared before the same magistrate for fatally st@bbing his nephew Mark Ncube (18) accusing him of stealing his hen.
As if that was not enough, in November a bizarre double murder left villagers in the Bhulu area under Chief Tshitshi in Mphoengs, shocked when two men were brutally stabbed to death before their bodies were dumped in a 25-metre deep community well.
The brutal m_rder was carried out by fellow villagers Lucky Mpofu (30), Modiri Dube (27) and their accomplice only identified as Methuli who were also brought before Mr Nembaware charged with murder.
