Customer battles for life after being stabbed in row over US$4 change
Police open attempted murder docket for 22-year-old tuckshop operator
By Auther Chimbgwa
A 26-year-old man was left nursing stab wounds following a savage attack by a tuckshop operator and his accomplice over US$4 change in Harare’s Epworth township.
The incident, according to a statement by police spokesperson for Harare province Inspector Luckmore Chakanza, happened on 24 April 2026.
“On 24 April 2026, at around 7.30am, the victim, Blessing Danda (26), proceeded to Mandebvu Tuckshop in Maruva, Epworth intending to buy a drink and some snacks,” said Inspector Chakanza in a statement.
“Danda reportedly tendered a US$5 note to Saunyama, the shopkeeper, who gave him a drink worth US$1, insisting that he received a dollar note only from him.
“This did not go down well with Danda and an altercation arose over the US$4 change.”
The misunderstanding later turned violent when Saunyama allegedly teamed up with another suspect only identified as Ronald to attack Danda using open hands.
Saunyama reportedly picked up an unknown object which he used to stab Danda several times, resulting in the latter sustaining deep cuts on the right side of the chest, forehead and mouth.
Danda, however, managed to escape from the crime scene and went home.
But in the following morning, Danda’s condition started deteriorating, prompting him to report the attack to the police in Epworth.
Saunyama was arrested while Ronald is yet to be accounted for, according to Chakanza.
No weapon was recovered.
Saunyama was immediately detained and will face attempted murder charges in court.
Danda was referred to Sally Mugabe Central Hospital for medical examination where he was later admitted.
His condition is understood to be serious.
Police are appealing for information that may lead to the arrest of Ronald.
