Online Reporter
Mthokozisi Ncube
AN axe-wielding artisanal miner who hacked a neighbourhood watch committee member several times before stealing his cellphone and cash has been jailed for an effective four years.
Wellington Mangena (22), of Khalilu Line in Ntabazinduna, was convicted and sentenced by the Bulawayo Regional Court for attempted murder and theft.
According to the National Prosecuting Authority of Zimbabwe (NPAZ), the violent attack happened on July 6 at around 4PM at Mbelesini Business Centre.
Mangena was allegedly armed with an axe and causing havoc when the 36-year-old victim, a member of the neighbourhood watch committee, approached him in an attempt to restrain his disruptive behaviour.
Instead, Mangena turned the axe on him.
“The offender charged at the victim and struck him several times on the head, back, and legs with the axe, inflicting deep cuts to his head and lower back,” said the NPAZ in a statement.
After the attack, Mangena grabbed the injured man’s Mobicel cellphone, valued at US$120, together with US$250 in cash, before fleeing.
The suspect remained on the run until August 16 when detectives caught up with him at a tollgate while he was travelling towards Bulawayo.
He was subsequently brought before the courts and convicted.
Mangena was sentenced to five years behind bars, with one year suspended for five years on condition that he does not commit any offence involving violence or theft.
This leaves him with an effective four-year jail term.
The NPAZ condemned the attack and warned would-be criminals that violence and lawlessness would not be tolerated.
“The NPAZ strongly condemns acts of violence, more so against public safety officers,” the authority said.
“Individuals who resort to violent crime and lawlessness will face the full wrath of the law.”
