In a case that shocked the Midlands community to its core, two friends, Trust Khoza and Hloniphani Nyoni, have been sentenced to 27 years in prison for the brutal murder of Choice Ncube, a well-known businessman. The crime, which involved a donkey cart as the getaway vehicle, was a gruesome culmination of a year-old grudge.

The events of that fateful night unfolded like a horror movie. Nyoni, fueled by rage and a longstanding dispute dating back to 2017, confronted Ncube at Folomani Bar. Armed with an axe, Nyoni attempted to attack Ncube, but was disarmed by bar patrons. However, this was only the beginning. Khoza and Nyoni dragged Ncube out of the bar, forced him into a donkey-drawn scotch cart, and took him to a secluded spot where they unleashed hours of torment.

For five hours, from midnight to dawn, Khoza and Nyoni savagely beat Ncube using logs, sticks, a knobkerrie, and a rubber whip. The sounds of the assault and Ncube’s screams pierced the still night air, as nearby villagers begged the men to stop – to no avail. By morning, Ncube was found naked, swollen, and barely alive. He was rushed to Gweru Provincial Hospital but was pronounced dead on arrival due to extensive internal and external injuries.

Nearly seven years later, the Gweru High Court has handed down a sentence of 27 years each to Khoza and Nyoni. While justice has been served, the question remains: what cost? A life was lost, a family was torn apart, and a community was left shaken. The case serves as a grim reminder of how unresolved personal disputes can erupt into deadly consequences.

The National Prosecuting Authority of Zimbabwe (NPAZ) spokesperson said, “The message is clear: violence will not be tolerated, and justice will be served – no matter how long it takes.” While the sentence brings closure to a harrowing case, it also raises questions about the nature of humanity and the devastating consequences of unchecked anger and revenge.
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