Online Reporter
Kimberley Chitambara, [email protected]
A 30-year-old Bulawayo barman has been fined US$100 and handed a wholly suspended three month prison sentence after brutally assaulting a patron at a local beer garden for dancing, leaving the man unconscious.
Wandile Makaracha, who is employed at Happy Valley Tavern in Makokoba suburb, was convicted on his own plea of guilty to assault as defined in Section 89(1) of the Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Act (Chapter 9:23).
He appeared before Bulawayo magistrate Ms Patience Madondo, who ordered him to pay the fine by January 30. The court further imposed a three month jail term, wholly suspended for five years on condition that he does not commit a similar offence during that period.
Prosecuting, Mr Methuli Ncube said the offence occurred on November 8 at around 10PM, while the complainant was drinking beer at Happy Valley Tavern.
“The accused person, who was on duty, approached the complainant and reprimanded him for dancing,” said Mr Ncube.
He said Makaracha proceeded to assault the complainant by punching him at the back of the head, causing him to fall to the ground and lose consciousness.
The complainant sustained back pains and bruises to the legs and was subsequently taken to Mpilo Central Hospital for medical treatment.
Upon regaining consciousness, the complainant reported the matter at Mzilikazi Police Station, leading to the accused’s arrest.
