Tinotenda Hove- A Beitbridge man has been remanded in custody after appearing in court on a murder charge following the death of another man during a dispute over an unpaid firewood debt.

Misheck Mukwazukwazu (51), of Lutumba Growth Point in Beitbridge, appeared before the Beitbridge Magistrates’ Court and was remanded in custody until July 29.

The charge stems from an incident that allegedly occurred at around 8pm on Sunday near De Voyage Beerhall at Dulibadzimu Rank.
According to the allegations, the now deceased, Mahuni Mandebvu, had previously supplied Mukwazukwazu with firewood on credit. Mandebvu later went to the accused’s workplace seeking payment for the outstanding debt.

It is alleged that an argument broke out between the two men before Mukwazukwazu struck Mandebvu with a single slap to the cheek.

Prosecutors allege that the impact caused Mandebvu to lose his balance and fall backwards, hitting his head on the pavement. He reportedly died at the scene.

The matter was reported to the police, leading to Mukwazukwazu’s arrest. Investigations into the incident are continuing while the accused remains in custody awaiting his next court appearance.