Ruwa bottle store stabbing leaves one dead after a dispute over gospel music

A night out in Ruwa turned deadly after a dispute over gospel music escalated into a violent stabbing at a local bar, leaving one man dead and three others hospitalised. The incident occurred on Thursday at Shooters Bottle Store in Solomio Park, sending shockwaves through the community and raising fresh concerns over violent crime in social spaces.

According to eyewitnesses who spoke to H-Metro, tensions began when patrons complained about gospel songs being played continuously at the venue, demanding a change in music. Two men, identified as Trymore Ndebele (35) and his companion Peace Dube (25), were reportedly controlling the playlist via a mobile phone connected through Bluetooth.

“They were playing gospel the whole time and people started complaining. It became tense very quickly,” said one witness who requested anonymity.

The pair allegedly disconnected their device and briefly left the premises, but returned shortly after, at which point a heated confrontation broke out inside the bar.

During the ensuing scuffle, Ndebele allegedly produced a knife and stabbed Tendai Mubiya (30) once in the neck. Mubiya, who had been drinking and playing snooker, collapsed immediately after the attack. Witnesses said attempts were made to assist him, but his condition deteriorated rapidly.

“It all happened so fast. One moment people were arguing, the next there was blood and chaos,” another patron said.

Three other individuals were injured in the violence. Bar owner Luckmore Kazingizi (28) sustained a deep chest wound, while Collen Tomu (30) suffered a serious cut on the back. A fourth victim sustained minor injuries during the commotion.

The injured were taken to Parirenyatwa Hospital for treatment, where Kazingizi and Tomu remain admitted. Patrons at the scene reportedly overpowered the suspects following the attack before alerting authorities. Police subsequently arrested Ndebele and Dube, who are expected to appear in court facing charges related to murder and assault.

The Zimbabwe Republic Police has yet to release a full official statement on the incident, but sources confirmed that investigations are ongoing. Criminal law expert Lloyd Mhishi said such cases often involve multiple charges.

“Where a death occurs, the primary charge is murder, but additional counts of attempted murder or assault may also apply depending on the injuries sustained by other victims,” he said.

The incident has reignited debate over safety in nightlife and informal drinking spots across Zimbabwe. Security analyst Admire Mare noted that disputes in crowded social environments can escalate quickly.

“Alcohol, overcrowding, and lack of security controls often create conditions where minor disagreements turn violent,” he said.

Residents in Ruwa say the tragedy highlights the need for tighter security measures at entertainment venues, including bag checks and better crowd management. As investigations continue, the community remains shaken by how a disagreement over music turned fatal within minutes.

Ruwa stabbing