Vusumuzi Dube
Kimberley Chitambara, [email protected]
A 35-year-old man from Gwelutshena area in Nkayi will spend eight years in jail for attacking a couple with the back of an axe on the back, chest and waist several times intending to kill them over an undisclosed reason.
Mduduzi Dlodlo of Chief Sikhobokhobo area appeared before Bulawayo regional magistrate, Ms Sibonginkosi Mnkandla, facing two counts of attempted murder as specified in Section 189 (1) as read with Section 47 (1) of the Criminal Law (codification and reform) Act Chapter 9:23 and was convicted.
The magistrate sentenced Dlodlo to five years imprisonment for count one and five years on count two.
One year was suspended for each count for five years on condition of good behavior leaving eight years effective jail term.
Prosecuting, Ms Tsungai Mutapi, said on October 15 last year at around 10PM, the accused and an accomplice, who is now deceased, proceeded to Khumbulani Khumalo, the first complainant’s homestead at Sigilikithi village in Gwelutshena.
“While there the accused and the now deceased accomplice ordered the complainant to open the door and proceeded to damage the wooden door, gained entry armed with axes, logs and knobkerries holding hunters touch as a source of light,” said Ms Mutapi.
The court heard that Dlodlo then hit the complainant with the back of an axe on the back, chest and waist several times, he went on to strike him with an axe on the ankle once.
“The accused person also hit Siphiwe Marufu, the second complainant (wife to Khumalo) with stones twice on the head, once with the back of an axe on the nose, once with the back of an axe on the chest and several times with a stick on the back,” she said.
The two were rescued by Ndumiso Mathe and Velile Sibanda and the matter was reported to the police leading to the arrest of Dlodlo while the complainants were referred to the hospital for medical attention.
Online Reporter