12 months jail for machete attack on rival panner

A gold panner from Mahatshula North suburb in Bulawayo was sentenced to 12 months in prison for attacking a rival with a machete following a dispute at a mining site.

Gibson Gama (38), along with an accomplice who is still at large, followed Mr Fairman Ndlovu and his friend to a mining shaft at Cement Side Willsgrove Mine in Bulawayo armed with a machete. Upon arriving, Gama attacked Mr Ndlovu, striking him multiple times, resulting in serious injuries

Bulawayo provincial magistrate, Mr Maxwell Ncube, convicted Gama of assault and sentenced him to 12 months in jail.

However, three months of the sentence were suspended for five years on condition that he does not commit a similar offence, meaning he will serve an effective nine-month prison term.

In passing the sentence, Mr Ncube emphasised the seriousness of the offence, noting the prevalence of violent crimes involving dangerous weapons.

“The accused used a lethal weapon, a machete, posing a significant threat to the complainant’s life. He struck the victim multiple times, which could have resulted in death. The courts have a duty to protect citizens by passing deterrent sentences in cases of violence. As such, the accused is sentenced to a term of imprisonment without the option of a fine,” ruled the magistrate.

Prosecutor, Mr Sam Mpofu, said the incident occurred on August 15 at around 1AM at Cement Side Wilsgrove Mine. Although the reason for the argument was not disclosed in court, it was revealed that Gama and his accomplice followed Mr Ndlovu to the mining shaft where the assault took place.

Gama struck the complainant once on the right arm, twice on the head and once on the lower lip. He also stole Mr Ndlovu’s Huawei cellphone, a hat and a black jacket containing US$3 before fleeing the scene.

The matter was reported to the police leading to Gama’s arrest.