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Thandeka Moyo, Court Reporter
A 27-YEAR-OLD Bulawayo man who stabbed a friend three times at a beer drink, was lucky to escape jail when he was sentenced to do community service.
Moses Nyathi from Robert Sinyoka suburb was convicted on his own plea to one count of attempted murder by regional magistrate Mrs Sibongile Msipa- Marondedze.
In passing her sentence Mrs Msipa-Marondedze said Nyathi was a repentant first offender who pleaded guilty and therefore did not waste the court’s time.
“After considering evidence that has been brought before the court, you are found guilty as charged. You are therefore sentenced to 24 months imprisonment of which 12 months are suspended for five years on condition of good behaviour,” said Mrs Msipa-Marondedze.
She said a further 12 months were suspended on condition Nyathi performs 421 hours of community service at Robert Sinyoka Primary School from January 4, 2017.
She ordered Nyathi to complete his community service within 12 weeks.
In his defence Nyathi said:
“I admit that I stabbed him with a broken bottle, not with a knife as the State is alleging. It was after an altercation occurred and I ended up resorting to violence in self-defence,” said Nyathi.
Ms Caroline Matanga, for the State, said on August 19 this year at around 9PM, Ncube was drinking beer at Mutamba Sports Bar with another man.
“While at the bar he had a dispute with Nyathi who then advanced towards him and he got stabbed thrice. As a result of the stabbing Ncube sustained injuries on the stomach and had to be rushed to hospital,” she said.
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