A 17-year-old boy from Mwacheta Village under Chief Chamutsa in Buhera has died after allegedly consuming poison following a fight with a friend over a girl.
Bright Dhliwayo, who was known locally for driving unlicensed taxis, reportedly had an argument with another 17-year-old from the same village, which escalated into a fist fight.
According to one account, Bright lost the fight and allegedly tried to poison his friend by offering him an energy drink laced with poison, under the guise of reconciling.
The friend is said to have pretended to take a sip before handing the drink back. Believing he had killed his friend, Bright then allegedly drank the rest of the energy drink himself out of guilt.
However, the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) has provided a different account of the incident, which took place on 24 May 2026.
Police said Bright had gone to nearby shops at around 10 pm, where he met his friend. He was allegedly carrying an empty drink bottle that smelled strongly of poison and told his friend he intended to take his own life.
The two walked home together, but Bright began to struggle along the way. His friend, Leonard, reportedly carried him the rest of the distance to Bright’s homestead.
On arrival, Leonard informed Bright’s elder brother, Vengai Dhliwayo, 26, who tried to give him water, but Bright had already died.
Officers from Birchenough Bridge attended the scene. No visible injuries were found on the body. Bright’s remains were taken to Birchenough Bridge Hospital mortuary for a post-mortem as investigations continue.
Manicaland Province acting ZRP spokesperson Assistant Inspector Wiseman Chinyoka urged members of the public, particularly young people, to seek help and speak out when facing emotional or personal difficulties, rather than resorting to suicide.
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