Online Reporter
Moreblessing Ncube
A SEEMINGLY minor accident at a Bulawayo beer hall turned into full-blown drama when a 36-year-old man lost his cool over a bucket of stock feed.
Washington Mavhura was convicted after assaulting 71-year-old Cleopas Moyo, who accidentally hit Mavhura’s bucket while trying to reverse his vehicle.
Magistrate Maxwell Ncube handed Mavhura a $150 fine, warning that failure to pay would land him in jail for two months. One month of the sentence was suspended for five years, giving Mavhura a slim chance to avoid prison if he keeps his cool next time.
Prosecutor Mehluli Ndlovu told the court the drama unfolded on September 9 around 1 PM at Blue Lagoon beer hall. Moyo, driving a Hino Ranger, accidentally nudged Mavhura’s bucket of stock feed. What could have been a simple apology quickly spiraled into chaos.
Instead of letting it go, Mavhura reportedly demanded cash compensation. Moyo told him he had no money, enraging the younger man. Mavhura allegedly grabbed a stone and smashed the vehicle’s right window before fleeing.
As Moyo drove toward Makokoba to sort things out, Mavhura continued his intimidation. He insisted on money rather than a replacement bucket and threatened to damage the car. One of his associates jumped in, grabbed a stone, and delivered more damage before running away.
The total cost of the destruction was $55, a small sum, but the tension and aggression turned a trivial accident into a court case.
Mavhura’s actions, the magistrate noted, were entirely avoidable. What started as a simple bump escalated because of anger and poor judgment. Moyo, despite his age, managed to keep his composure, proving that sometimes patience pays off, even when your bucket is under attack.
Blessing Chizhande