Online Reporter
Ronald Mpofu
A BEER session ended ibn bloodshed in Gonde village, Madlambudzi, when a 40-year-old man flew off the handle and buried an axe into his drinking buddy’s head over a debt.
By some inexplicable miracle, the victim lived to tell the tale.
The aggressor, Nkosilathi Ndlovu, has been sentenced to eight years behind bars after he was found guilty of attempted murder. He appeared before Plumtree magistrate Mark Dzira on 18 June 2025.
The court heard that the incident occurred on 6 March 2025. Ndlovu and the complainant, Solomon Khaliphe Ncube, were drinking beer at Ndlovu’s workplace. Ndlovu was being the life and soul of the party, telling the funniest jokes, when like a wet blanket, Ncube soured the mood by asking him to repay a debt he owed him. That signalled the start of a horrific experience that nearly sent Ncube to meet his ancestors.
Instead of reaching for his wallet, Ndlovu reportedly grabbed an axe and struck Ncube once on the head. The savage blow left Ncube unconscious, with a serious cut that required medical attention.
Ndlovu was later arrested and charged with attempted murder. During the trial, the court heard how the accused reacted violently and without provocation. Prosecutor Fezile Mpofu presented evidence that left no doubt about Ndlovu’s guilt.
Magistrate Dzira sentenced Ndlovu to 8 years imprisonment. However, 2 years were suspended for 5 years on the condition that Ndlovu does not commit a similar offence involving violence or attempted murder during that period.
The ruling brings closure to a shocking case that highlights the dangers of mixing alcohol and unresolved grievances. What could have been a peaceful beer session turned into a near-fatal attack. As the gavel fell, Magistrate Dzira sent a harsh reminder that violence has consequences, and justice doesn’t forget.
