Danisa Masuku, Court Reporter
TWO men accused of teaming up to brutally assault an elderly man from Fort Rixon in Insiza District, leaving him bleeding to death, have appeared in court for trial.
Thembinkosi Moyo (26) and Bhekumuzi Dube (19) appeared before Bulawayo High Court judge Justice Feresi Chakanyuka on Monday, charged with murder. Both pleaded not guilty.
The accused persons are represented by Mr Tinashe Runganga of Tanaka Law Chambers, who told the court in their defence that they were drunk and had acted in self-defence.
“On the fateful day, the accused persons were drunk and they acted under the influence of alcohol. They deny that they intentionally attacked him, but they acted in self-defence,” said Mr Runganga.
He further told the court that the deceased had allegedly confronted Dube at his home and broken down the door, intending to attack him.
“The deceased confronted Dube at his home. Upon arriving at Dube’s home, he broke down the door intending to attack him. Moyo picked up an iron rod that was behind the door and hit the now-deceased once on the leg.
“The deceased quickly stood up and grabbed Dube before pulling him out of the room and assaulted him. Moyo then joined in to defend Dube,” said Mr Runganga.
The trial was postponed to today, Wednesday, for continuation.
Prosecuting, Ms Mufaro Ndirayire told the court that on 14 October 2025, at around 4pm, the deceased and his son, Tonderayi, were drinking beer with the accused persons and other patrons at Dlodlo Monument Tuckshop.
“Shortly after 6pm, Tonderayi went home, leaving the deceased drinking beer with the accused persons,” said Ms Ndirayire.
The court heard that the deceased later became involved in a heated argument with one of the accused persons, which allegedly escalated into a violent assault.
“A misunderstanding arose between one of the accused persons and the deceased. At the height of the argument, they teamed up and assaulted the deceased with a metal rod and a machete all over the body and left him lying unconscious behind the toilet,” said Ms Ndirayire.
Later that day, Tonderayi became worried when his father failed to return home and went back to the tuckshop to look for him.
He reportedly met two men, Meluleki Nqabutho Ncube and Thembani Mthunzi, who told him they had heard the deceased crying for help at the homestead of one of the accused persons.
Tonderayi then proceeded to Dube’s home, where he found his father lying unconscious behind a toilet with multiple injuries all over his body, the court heard.
The deceased reportedly died as they were arranging transport to take him to hospital.
The matter was reported to the police, leading to the arrest of the two accused persons. A machete allegedly used in the attack was recovered and will be presented as evidence in court.
