5 years for axe attack

Laurel Murangaridzirayi, [email protected]

A NYATHI man who allegedly struck another man with an axe on the head has been sentenced to five years in prison.

Nqobizitha Mpofu (28) pleaded guilty to attempted murder before Bulawayo magistrate, Mr Joseph Mabeza.

His accomplices, Mduduzi Ngwenya (23), Langelihle Mpofu (22) of Kopjes village are still at large.

Prosecuting, Ms Portia Mashashu said on 8 February 2023 around 7:05pm at Lonely Mine the complainant, Blessing Hadebe, was standing outside the shops when the accused persons approached him.

 “On the 08th day of February 2023 at around 1905 hours and at Lonely Mine Business Centre, Inyathi, the complainant was standing outside he was approached by the accused persons who were violent,” she said.

“However, without saying anything the accused persons struck the complainant with an axe once on the head and once on the left leg,” said the prosecutor.

Mpofu and his accomplices left the scene with Mr Hadebe left lying on the ground.

The prosecutor said Hadebe was taken to ZRP Inyathi to report the case and were also referred to a hospital for treatment.

“The complainant was then ferried to ZRP Inyathi where the case was reported and was also referred to hospital for treatment. As a result, the complainant sustained deep cuts on the head and on the left leg The complainant was treated and medical report was obtained and attached in the docket,” said Ms Mashashu.

The magistrate said the matter was to be treated with strict conditions because Mpofu and his accomplices had no misunderstanding with the complainant and they acted violent on Mr Hadebe.