The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) has issued a warning following a troubling spike in murders linked to disputes at beer-drinking venues across the country over the past week.

ZRP spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi confirmed the disturbing trend, emphasizing that the incidents show how quickly petty arguments can escalate into fatal confconfrontatiosi

In a statement, the police highlighted several brutal killings that occurred within a one-week period across the country.

“On December 1, 29-year-old Taurai Hungwe was stabbed in the chest with an okapi knife during an altercation with a suspect known only as Prosper at a nightclub.Hungwe was pronounced dead on December 3 at Beitbridge District Hospital.

On December 4, 27-year-old Kudakwashe Mudyanevana was struck on the head with an axe at a bottle store in Claremont Business Centre. He was attacked by a suspect named Tshuks and four accomplices. Mudyanevana died while being transported to Filabusi Hospital.

Leonard Chidhoma (45) was attacked on December 5 by two unidentified assailants at Chibhabhawabha, Battlefields. The attack reportedly stemmed from an accusation that Chidhoma was spreading falsehoods about them. His body was discovered in his room the following day, December 6.

In Magwegwe North, Bulawayo, 26-year-old Mongiwehtu Godnows Dube was killed on December 7 following a confrontation with Keith Dube. The dispute originated from an earlier incident involving spilt beer during a game of snooker at a local sports bar.

52-year-old Richard Sibanda was also fatally struck on the head multiple times with a stone by 26-year-old Tinotenda Gibson Madanhire.

The attack took place during a dispute while the two were drinking at a funeral in Mantiya Village, Lower Gweru. Madanhire has since been arrested,” the statement reads.

Commissioner Nyathi urged the public to exercise restraint, resolve disputes peacefully, and avoid violence at all costs.

He also appealed to citizens to promote responsible behavior and promptly report any suspicious or unruly conduct to the police to prevent further loss of life.