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Danisa Masuku
“I AM scared of your parents but I will settle the grudge on you!”
This is probably what a vengeful man who had a long-standing grudge against the parents of a 12-year-old boy thought as he bumped into the boy while he was harvesting honey in a bushy area with his two friends.
Dickson Ndlovu (54) of Mazhiye village in Matobo in Matabeleland South exhibited signs of cowardice as he vented his anger on the minor by severely hitting him with a log while accusing him of harvesting his honey.
The boy managed to free himself from his tight grip and sprinted to his family home where upon arrival he narrated the incident to his father.
The concerned and worried dad reported the incident to the police leading to Ndlovu’s arrest.
Ndlovu appeared for trial before Kezi resident magistrate Busani Sibanda facing an assault charge. He pleaded guilty.
He was convicted and sentenced to 24 months imprisonment. However, the magistrate suspended 12 months for a period of five years on condition that the offender does not during that period commit any offence involving the use of violence on any person for which upon conviction he would be sentenced to imprisonment without the option of a fine. Ndlovu will effectively serve 12 months behind bars.
The state in aggravation stated that cases of assault are prevalent in the area as such there was a need for a deterrent sentence. The offender used a weapon causing the complainant to suffer serious injuries.
Noting that the victim is a 12-year-old boy and children needed guidance and should not to be abused, the court highlighted that children must be taught good manners rather than subjecting them to force and violence. The magistrate said the use of a dangerous weapon on the vulnerable part of the body is aggravating and the victim was referred to neurosurgeons for assessment and treatment.
In a victim impact statement, the minor said: “The assault left me traumatised. I sustained scars on my body and missed school lessons as I was in hospital. My parents spent a lot of money on medical bills and transport fares. I would prefer a custodial sentence. The offender has been harassing me and my parents. I fear that he might return and attack me”
Circumstances against Ndlovu are that on a date not known by the prosecutor but sometime in November last year he met the boy by chance in a bushy area. He grabbed the boy by his hand before pummelling him with a log several times.
The boy managed to free from his tight grip and fled to his home where upon arrival he reported the incident to his father. The matter was quickly reported to the police.
Online Reporter