Three suspects were arrested at a Mabelreign shrine after a prophet tipped off the police about their presence. The suspects, Tinotenda Zemba (20), Kudzanayi Sala (21), and John Cheutare (age not given), are alleged to have stabbed vendor Tobias Matiyase five times with a knife following a dispute over change on Monday night. The incident reportedly occurred after the suspects bought four cigarettes and bananas from Tobias using a US$1 note and received ZW$200 in change, but demanded ZW$400 instead.
When Tobias tried to explain that the correct change was ZW$200, the suspects allegedly responded by stabbing him before fleeing and seeking cleansing at the Mabelreign shrine. The prophet alerted the police while pretending to conduct a cleansing ceremony, leading to the arrest of the suspects. Tobias’ uncle, Moses Matiyase, stated that the family is deeply pained by Tobias’ unexpected death and described him as a quiet vendor who was not violent.
