Chronicle Editor
Lesley Chikudo, [email protected]
A 23-year-old Bulawayo man would spend 12 years in prison for teaming up with an accomplice who is still at large to rob his neighbour at machete-point.
The stolen property, valued at US$150, has not been recovered.
Thompson Sibanda, of Emthunzini suburb, pleaded not guilty but was convicted by Western Commonage Regional Magistrate Mrs Sibongile Marondedze due to compelling evidence.
Sibanda will, however, serve nine years plus six months after two years of his sentence were suspended for five years on condition that the offender does not within that period commit any offence that includes violence or cause harm to another person.
A further six months is suspended on condition the offender restitutes the complainant US$ 367 as follows: US$150 stolen money, US$180 for the scan, US$15 for consultation fee and US$22 for ambulance fee by 28 April 2025.
In passing the sentence, Mrs Marondedze said the court took into consideration that the offender had caused health problems to the complainant due to his conduct and the complainant suffered financial loss as the money he was robbed was for him to buy his stock for his business.
Prosecutor, Ms Christina Manyika, said the robbery occurred on December 20 last year around 8pm. The victim, Mr Nkosikhona Mpala, was walking with his girlfriend when they were ambushed.
“As they were walking through a bushy area, Sibanda, accompanied by two unidentified individuals, emerged armed with a machete,” said Ms Manyika.
The court heard that Sibanda allegedly struck Mr Mpala on the head with the machete before picking up a stone and repeatedly attacking him on the forehead. The assailants then took Mr Mpala’s wallet containing US$150, his cellphone, keys, and national identification card before fleeing the scene.
In his defense, Sibanda said he did not commit the offence but was caught at the wrong place at the wrong time.
Mr Mpala sustained head injuries and facial bruises as a result of the attack.
Online Reporter