An 18-year-old man is facing attempted murder charges after allegedly st@bbing a 15-year-old boy in the chest over a misunderstanding that escalated into a suspected love triangle conflict in Nkulumane, Zimbabwe.
The violent altercation occurred at Sokusile Shopping Centre on July 19, 2025, leaving the younger teenager hospitalised at Mpilo Hospital with a serious but non-fatal wound.
According to reports, the victim was simply receiving academic help from a female classmate when her boyfriend, 18-year-old Qhawelenkosi Mnkandla, allegedly misconstrued the interaction as a romantic encounter and confronted him.
Principal Prosecutor Milton Moyo told the Western Commonage Court that the accused approached the victim over what he believed was a romantic rivalry.
“The suspect allegedly confronted the victim about a rumoured romantic involvement,” Moyo said. “The verbal exchange escalated, resulting in the accused allegedly producing a knife and inflicting a chest wound.”
Emergency services were called to the scene and the injured boy was rushed to hospital for treatment. He is reported to be recovering.
Mnkandla was brought before Magistrate Sibongile Marondedze and granted bail under strict conditions. These include a ban on contacting any witnesses, a requirement to remain at his current address, and a mandate to report weekly to Nkulumane Police Station.
The case has been adjourned to August 8, 2025.
