Zhombe man handed 20-year sentence for bar murder

By Dumisani Ndlovu

Gweru– The Gweru High Court Circuit recently sentenced Tichaona Sibanda to 20 years in prison, citing the brutality of the act and his lack of remorse.
The verdict, delivered by High Court Judge Munamato Mutevedzi, sent a clear message that unprovoked aggression and the taking of a life will be met with the full force of the law, bringing a measure of closure to a community left reeling from the tragic loss.
The courtroom, often a place of stoic pronouncements, saw a rare moment of commendation as Judge Mutevedzi publicly lauded State Prosecutor Ms. Chipo Hungwe for her exceptional prowess in dismantling the defence and proving, beyond any reasonable doubt, that Sibanda’s actions were committed with "actual intent and aggravation.
The affectionate pat on the back from the bench underscores the formidable case built by the prosecution, which ensured that the accused, despite his youth and unemployment, faced the ultimate consequences for his heinous crime. Local residents, who have been closely following the proceedings, expressed a collective sigh of relief, affirming their faith in the justice system.
The verdict, delivered by High Court Judge Mutevedzi, sends a clear message that unprovoked aggression and the taking of a life will be met with the full force of the law, bringing a measure of closure to a community left reeling from the tragic loss.
The tragic events unfolded on the evening of December 30, 2024, at approximately 9:00 PM, a time when Ruzviya Bar, a popular local spot, would typically be buzzing with casual camaraderie and the familiar clatter of pool balls.
Lioyd Zhakata, a 21-year-old from Village Joseph, Chief Ntabeni, was engrossed in watching a game of pool alongside his friend, Thembelani Mususa. The atmosphere of ordinary evening enjoyment was shattered without warning.The accused, approached the unsuspecting Zhakata. In a swift, brutal movement, Sibanda produced a homemade knife from his trousers and plunged it once into Zhakata's chest.
According to eyewitness accounts and court testimonies, the suddenness of the attack left onlookers stunned. As Zhakata clutched his chest, bleeding profusely, Sibanda immediately fled the scene, reportedly accompanied by his brother, Custon Sibanda.
The critically wounded Zhakata, in a desperate struggle for survival, managed to run approximately 130 meters from Ruzviya Bar towards Maxwell Moyo’s residence before succumbing to his injuries and collapsing unconscious.
He died shortly thereafter, leaving a pool of blood as a grim testament to the violence that had just transpired.