Chronicle Editor
Brenda Zinyuke, Court Reporter
A WOMAN from Bulawayo who allegedly ganged up with unidentified accomplices and attacked her ex-boyfriend with knives and sharp objects until he lost consciousness has been charged with attempted murder.
Beatrice Hlabangana (30) of Old Pumula suburb was initially being charged with assault but the State represented by Mr Kenneth Shava stated that the circumstances surrounding the alleged assault were not for fit the charge.
It is alleged that Hlabangana and her accomplices who are still at large, armed themselves with logs, knives and other unknown sharp objects and attacked Mr Nhlanhla Moyo (45) of Old Pumula suburb.
Mr Moyo’s attackers accused him of burning Hlabangana’s house. The number of her accomplices who are on the run was not mentioned in court.
The man appeared before Western Commonage magistrate Ms Gladmore Mushove and showed the court the injuries he suffered after the attack.
He has several stitches under his left armpit, his lower back, on his head and several scars all over the back.
Hlabangana pleaded not guilty to attempted murder before Ms Mushove and was remanded in custody to Monday for bail ruling.
In her application, she alleges that she is a first-time offender, has a known residential address and will not abscond trial.
She submitted that the court may grant her bail on condition that she reports once every Friday to the police and pays $200 as bail.
However, Mr Shava rejected her submissions suggesting that she reports twice a week to the police and pays $500 as bail.
Mr Shava said on January 25 this year at around 10PM, Mr Moyo was at his house when he was approached by Hlabangana and her accomplices who were armed with logs, knives and unknown sharp objects.
“The gang assaulted the complainant several times all over the body accusing him of setting the accused person’s house on fire. He lost consciousness and regained it while admitted to Mpilo Central Hospital,” he said.
Mr Moyo sustained three deep cuts on the back, a cut on the head and the chest.
The matter was reported to the police leading to Hlabangana’s arrest. — @zinyuke98
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