Online Reporter
Dalyn Chigwizura
A BULAWAYO teenager was yesterday sentenced to five years in prison for stabbing his neighbour over a long-standing childhood dispute.
Qhawelenkosi Mnkandla (18) from Nkulumane suburb pleaded not guilty to attempted murder but was convicted after the court found the evidence against him overwhelming. Three of the five years were suspended for five years on condition that
Mnkandla does not commit a similar offence during that period, leaving him with an effective two-year prison term.
In passing sentence, Magistrate Taurai Manwere noted that while Mnkandla is a youthful offender and justice should be tempered with mercy, a custodial sentence was necessary to deter others.
The prosecutor, Ms Christina Manyika, told the court that the incident occurred on July 19 at Sekusile Shopping Centre in Nkulumane.
The court heard that Mnkandla and the 15-year-old complainant, Ayanda Banda, had a long-standing dispute dating back to childhood.
“On that particular date, the complainant went to Sekusile Shopping Centre in Nkulumane intending to download his homework.
“While there, he met Mnkandla, and an argument arose over their long-standing beef,” said Ms Manyika.
During the altercation, Mnkandla pulled out a knife and stabbed Banda once on the left side of his chest. Banda sustained injuries and was admitted to Mpilo Central Hospital for treatment.
