Trio Murders Street Vendor for a Dollar

A MABELREIGN prophet yesterday tipped the police about three suspected murderers who had approached him for cleansing.

The three suspects allegedly stabbed a vendor, Tobias Matiyase, with a knife five times following a dispute over change on Monday night. Tinotenda Zemba (20), Kudzanayi Sala (21) and John Cheutare (age not given) were arrested at the shrine following a tip off by the unidentified prophet.

National police spokesperson, Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi, confirmed the incident.

Allegations are that the suspects bought four cigarettes and bananas from Tobias using a US$1 note. A misunderstanding arose after Tobias gave them $200 change. Zemba, Sala and Cheutare reportedly demanded $400 change instead. It’s further alleged that Tobias tried to explain to the trio that their change was $200, but the three suspects responded by stabbing him five times with a knife before running away.

The suspects then went to the unnamed prophet in Mabelreign for cleansing. The prophet alerted the police while pretending to be conducting a cleansing ceremony, and the trio was arrested at the shrine.

Tobias’ Moses Matiyase, said the death of his nephew caught them unaware and they are deeply pained.

“For me, it’s like I am still dreaming, I can’t believe it yet that Tobias is gone for good. It’s painful considering the circumstances surrounding his death. Tobias has been a vendor for more than 15 years and he was someone very quiet. He was not violent and we are deeply pained as a family.”