Fight over mbanje leads to death

Mashudu Mambo

A DISPUTE over a mbanje twist cost the life of a man from Luveve suburb in Bulawayo after he was assaulted with a brick on the head by his friend.

The perpetrator, Takunda Mandizwidza, was recently found guilty of culpable homicide and sentenced by Bulawayo High Court Judge Justice Naison Chivayo.

While handing down the sentence, the court took into consideration that the accused was a first offender.

“The accused is a first offender who pleaded guilty to the charge of culpable homicide and his family paid five beasts to compensate the bereaved family.

“However, it is important to note that no amount can compensate for the loss of life,” he said.

Justice Chivayo stated that he will also give the accused a suspended sentence which will deter him from committing offences in the future.

“A number of campaigns have been made to end drug abuse but it seems that a few individuals take heed of such warnings.

“We are left with no choice but to remove you from the community for a lengthy period.

“The court will also give you a suspended sentence which will hover around your head to remind you that you are an offender. This will be a way to send a message to your friends so that they desist from such behaviour,” ruled Chivayo.

He was sentenced to five years in prison and two years were suspended for five years on condition of good behaviour. He will therefore serve an effective three years in prison.

The court heard that on 21 November 2023 at around 8pm, in Luveve suburb the victim arrived at Dellen Mugayi’s home where he found the culprit together with seven others smoking dagga.

He joined the group and asked Mandizwidza to give him a smoke but he declined stating that the victim had initially declined to come for the meet-up.

This angered the victim and he started assaulting the culprit and a fight ensured. During the fight, the victim picked an unknown object and stabbed the culprit in the chest.

Mandizwidza retaliated by picking up a brick which he used to hit the victim once on the left side of his forehead and the victim collapsed.

He was rushed to the hospital and died the following day as a result of head trauma. The matter was reported to the police leading to the arrest of the culprit.