Online Reporter
Moreblessing Ncube
A MAN from Mbembesi turned into a fireball of fury and beat his neighbour senseless for refusing to share a cigarette lighter with him.
Bhekizwe Sibanda (26) of Mazinini Extension is now cooling off behind bars after being remanded in custody by Bulawayo Magistrate Maxwell Ncube.
The incident occurred on 6 July at around 6 PM at Mfanyana shopping centre in Ntabazinduna. Prosecutor Mehluli Ndlovu told the court how Sibanda approached Elton Maphosa (34) and casually asked to use his lighter.
But when Maphosa told him to “buy your own”, the response lit a fuse.
Sibanda, stung by the rejection, flew into a rage. He tripped Maphosa to the ground and then grabbed nearby stones, raining down brutal blows on the man’s face and ribs like a man possessed.
The senseless beating over a piece of plastic sparked disbelief in court, with witnesses describing it as “animalistic” and “totally unnecessary.”
Maphosa, though initially showing no visible injuries, was rushed for a medical examination after complaining of sharp pain from the rib cage and facial swelling.
Sibanda is now facing assault charges and is expected back in court tomorrow.
All this for a lighter.
Imagine ending up in jail over something that costs less than a dollar.”
Talk about tempers flaring.
derick.khumalo