Attempted murder suspect remanded

Thubelihle Mabhena Court Reporter
A BOTSWANA-BASED Zimbabwean nearly lost his life after he was stoned and severely injured by a pedestrian who was standing on the road in central Bulawayo, a magistrate heard yesterday.

Evans Chipanga, 31, was rushed to Mater Dei Hospital bleeding profusely after he was struck on the head with a stone by Nyasha Muparadzai, 23.

Muparadzai who resides in Bulawayo city centre, was apparently not happy that Chipanga had blown his car’s horn for him to move out of the road.

He appeared before Marylyn Mtshina facing an attempted murder charge. Muparadzai was not asked to plead and remanded in custody to April 23 for trial. He was ordered to apply for bail at the High Court. Prosecuting, Charles Danda said on Saturday last week at around 7PM, Chipanga was driving his Mercedes Benz Sprinter along Joshua Mqabuko Nkomo Street and 5th Avenue when he came across Muparadzai standing on the road together with two unidentified individuals.

Danda said Chipanga hooted at Muparadzai and his colleagues moved out of the road. He said Muparadzai, however, became angry and started shouting at the complainant.

Chipanga stopped his vehicle and disembarked with the intention of engaging Muparadzai, the court heard.

Danda said Muparadzai picked up a stone and struck Chipanga on the head.

He said Chipanga collapsed and started bleeding profusely.

“Chipanga’s brother, Douglas Chipanga, who had remained in the vehicle, rushed out to assist his injured sibling. Douglas drove his injured brother to Mater Dei Hospital,” said Danda.

He said Muparadzai tried to run away but was caught by members of the public who beat him up.

The court heard that a battered Muparadzai was rescued by two police officers who then took him to the police station. Danda said Muparadzai filed a report of assault and was therefore not arrested.

He said after Douglas assisted his brother to be admitted at the hospital, he went to report the matter at Bulawayo Central Police Station.

Muparadzai was later arrested when he went to make a follow-up on his case of assault he had reported.