Online Reporter
Moreblessing Ncube
A NIGHT of drunken madness has landed a Bulawayo man behind bars after he went on a wild door-busting spree, breaking into his cousin’s home and then crashing into a police officer’s house, in a frenetic 30 minutes.
Gracious Lamula (30) appeared before Bulawayo magistrate Abednico Ndebele and was slapped with a 24-month prison sentence. Eight months were suspended, leaving him to serve a solid 16 months to sober up and rethink his midnight antics.
Prosecutor Joseph Rugara told the court that Lamula unleashed chaos in the early hours of 10 June around 1am. Reportedly boozed to the brim, Lamula first targeted his cousin Bongiwe Nzuzo’s home, forcing his way in by breaking the spare bedroom door with an iron bar.
Startled by the banging, Nzuzo opened her bedroom door and got the shock of her life. Her drunken cousin was standing in her house like a ghost in the night. When she confronted him, Lamula fled without stealing a thing.
Roughly 30 minutes later, Lamula struck again, this time targeting the home of police officer Fungai Innocent Mandikwaza. His weapon of choice was unknown, but the intent was clear. He broke in while the officer’s kids were sleeping peacefully inside.
Again, nothing was stolen. But nerves were definitely shattered.
Nzuzo testified that she had locked her doors early that night and was sleeping soundly until Lamula barged in. She said he even told her to leave her own house. Luckily, she recognised him and raised the alarm.
Neighbour Balala joined her in checking what was going on and found Lamula already in the hands of the police, caught red-handed disturbing yet another household.
“I hope he gets locked away for a long time,” said Nzuzo. “Throw the keys away in Mbembesi River.”
The magistrate clearly agreed.
