Online Reporter
Moreblessing Ncube
A 38-YEAR-OLD Bulawayo man has appeared in court for allegedly assaulting his 24-year-old stepbrother, whom he accused of trespassing and attempting to claim his late father’s inheritance.
Nkosilathi Nkosana of Lobenville suburb appeared before Bulawayo magistrate Mr Maxwell Ncube facing a charge of physical abuse. He was remanded in custody to May 28 and did not enter a plea.
Prosecuting, Ms Nyaradzo Tukwa told the court that the incident occurred on 10 April at around 9PM at the family’s Lobenville residence.
The complainant, Mr Mlungisi Moyo, allegedly went outside the gate to collect some soil on behalf of his mother, who intended to use it for a traditional ancestral appeasement ceremony.
“While he was collecting the soil, he was approached by the accused, who questioned him about why he was taking soil from his late father’s yard,” said Ms Tukwa.
The court heard that the situation quickly escalated into violence when Mr Moyo’s explanation did not satisfy his stepbrother.
“Nkosana became confrontational and proceeded to slap Mr Moyo once on the right ear and then strangled him,” said the prosecutor.
As a result of the assault, Mr Moyo sustained a swollen right ear.
The State further revealed that the two stepbrothers have not been on speaking terms for some time, reportedly due to tensions over inheritance. Nkosana allegedly believes that Mr Moyo, who is not the biological son of the deceased homeowner, is attempting to stake a claim to the family property.
The matter was reported to the police, leading to Nkosana’s arrest.
