adminLuthando Mapepa
SEVERELY assaulting a neighbour over a $10 debt landed a Chipinge couple in trouble after they were jailed for committing the crime. Vhuso Dhliwayo (36) and his wife Chipo Simango (23) of Ngungunyana Forestry Compound under Chief Mapungwana pleaded guilty when they appeared before Ms Sharon Chipanga last Thursday. The court heard that on October 29 at around 10pm, the complainant Farai Gwenzi arrived at the couple’s homestead asking for his money from Dhliwayo.
A misunderstanding arose after Gwenzi, who had been given $4, demanded full payment since the debt was long overdue. The accused persons teamed up and started beating the complaint. A medical examination produced showed that Gwenzi had sustained serious injuries from the assault.
In sentencing the couple, Ms Chipanga told them that they had committed a serious offense by severely injuring an innocent person. She said a custodial sentence was an option. Dhliwayo was sentenced to 12 months imprisonment of which six months were suspended on condition of good behavior.
His wife was sentenced to 8 months imprisonment of which four months were suspended on condition that she does not commit a similar offence in the next five years. Mr Witness Nyamundaya prosecuted.
Online Reporter