By A Correspondent – A disagreement over food and beer ended in tragedy in Esigodini, Matabeleland South, after a 59-year-old man was allegedly fatally struck with an axe by an acquaintance.

Police say the argument broke out between Malizani Tembo, 59, and Hloniphani Ngwenya, 43, when Tembo reportedly chose to buy beer instead of relish.

During the altercation, Ngwenya allegedly struck Tembo on the head with an axe, causing a skull fracture. Tembo was rushed to hospital but died on August 24 from injuries sustained in the June attack.

Ngwenya was first charged with attempted murder. Following Tembo’s death, the charge was upgraded to murder.

Matabeleland South Acting Police Spokesperson Assistant Inspector Stanford Mguni confirmed the incident and said investigations are ongoing.