MAN, ACCUSED OF MURDERING A FRIEND AFTER A ROW OVER US$9, GRANTED BAIL

A MAN, who is facing a murder charge after he allegedly stabbed a friend with a knife following a dispute over US$9, has been granted bail by the High Court. Nyasha Mutodi, 36, was arrested for allegedly stabbing Tinotenda Nyamukute, 38, who is believed to have been a money changer in Chinhoyi, on Workers Day holiday, this year. Chinhoyi High Court Judge, Justice Bachi Mzawazi, granted Mutodi US$200 bail and ordered that he reports once every Friday at Highfield Police Station.

He was also ordered to reside at his home in Highfield, Harare. Mutodi was ordered not to interfere with evidence or witnesses until the case is finalised. Mutodi allegedly stabbed Nyamukute after a dispute between the two over a debt of US$9.

Mutodi was represented by Fortune Murisi of Murisi and Associates while Edgar Dhamusi appeared for the State. The row between the two started when Nyamukute told Mutodi that he owed him US$9. Mutodi then allegedly pulled out a knife from his right side pocket and stabbed Nyamukute once just below the ribs.

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Mutodi tried to escape but was caught by Artwell Wakatama, a witness, who handed him over to the police at Chinhoyi Central Police Station. Nyamukute was rushed to Chinhoyi Provincial Hospital before he was transferred to Sally Mugabe Central Hospital in Harare where he died. Mutodi recently served jail time after he was convicted of stealing money from his parents.

Mutodi, who dropped out of his final year in university, last month told H-Metro he stole the money from his parents to finance his drugs habit. In April, he was part of a group of prisoners who gave testimonies on the dangers of drug and substance abuse.

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