Harare — Two men have been arrested for allegedly beating a colleague to death after he reportedly challenged them to a fight as they drank an illicit home-brew commonly known as kachasu.

Forbes Zvomuya (39) was drinking kachasu with Edison Nyagute (28) and Elliot Marara, both of Tseketani Village under Chief Dotito.

Mashonaland Central police spokesperson Assistant Inspector Petros Masikati said the three were drinking together when Zvomuya made a joke that irritated his friends.

Realising his colleagues were unhappy, Zvomuya challenged them to a fight, claiming both of them could not beat him.

The two then punched and kicked Zvomuya all over the body. Later on, Zvomuya reported the matter to Dotito police who took him to Mt Darwin Hospital where he died six hours later. A doctor who examined him said Zvomuya succumbed to a ruptured bladder and head trauma.

"Many people end up regretting after committing serious offences under the influence of alcohol. People should learn to take their disputes to the police community relations department," Asst Insp Masikati said.