Online Reporter
Moreblessing Ncube
A SIMPLE landlord-tenant dispute turned violent in Lobengula West when two soldiers allegedly attacked their landlord with a sjambok and flying kicks over a stolen property accusation.
George Moreblessing Ncube (22) and Brian Ndlovu (25) appeared before Bulawayo Magistrate Taurai Manwere, remanded in custody, with judgment scheduled for tomorrow. Both men pleaded not guilty, admitting to the assault but claiming they never intended serious harm.
The shocking incident unfolded on 6 June at around 7 PM at the home of Mlamuli Mnkandla, their landlord.
According to court papers, the soldiers believed Mnkandla had stolen some of their belongings, leading to a confrontation.
Prosecutor Jethro Mada told the court that Ncube allegedly strangled Mnkandla with a sweater string, making it difficult for him to breathe, while Ndlovu joined in by striking the victim on the forehead and back of the head with an unknown object and delivering multiple blows with a sjambok to various parts of Mnkandla’s body.
It was Mnkandla’s wife who reported the brutal attack to the police, resulting in the arrest of both soldiers.
In court, Mnkandla asked the magistrate not to send the men to jail but instead to compensate him for the injuries and expenses incurred.
He claimed US$45 for X-rays and stitching, US$15 for an ambulance ride, and US$90 in transport costs from his work in Chiredzi at Hippo Valley to Bulawayo for court appearances, totalling US$223.
Prosecutor Mada expressed outrage, highlighting that trained soldiers should uphold the law and protect civilians, not use their military skills for personal vendettas.
“Their actions bring dishonour to the Zimbabwe National Army,” Mada said, stressing the seriousness of trained men directing their combat skills against an unarmed civilian.
Ncube and Ndlovu remain in custody as the court prepares to deliver its ruling, while Mnkandla waits for restitution for the physical and financial toll the assault has taken on him.
