A MAN died after being stabbed in the chest – for committing a foul during a social football match, a court heard.
Mthokozisi Nkomo, 25, of Nkayi, fled after savaging Nqobizitha Nkiwane, 27, and brandished the blood-dripping blade at teammates who tried to apprehend him, according to prosecutors.
Detectives hunted Nkomo down after the June 28 murder and apprehended him days later in Bulawayo where he was hiding.
He was taken back to Nkayi to be charged with murder.
Nkayi district magistrate Ndumo Masuku remanded him in custody to July 18. The case will be tried at the High Court.
Maxwell Hapanyengwi, prosecuting, told the court that Nkomo and Nkiwane were playing for rival teams at the social match held at Sihlengeni Parimary School.
Nkiwane, the court heard, made a lunging tackle on Nkomo who got back to his feet and verbally abused him, touching off a furious bust-up.
Nkomo drew a knife from his pocket and stabbed Nkiwane once on the left side of the chest.
Nkiwane died on the spot despite the best efforts of his teammates who tried to keep him alive by administering first aid, the court heard.