Online Reporter
Getrude Manyande
A 41-YEAR-OLD Rangemore man will spend an effective four years behind bars after he was convicted of attempting to kill his neighbour in a vicious half brick attack.
Willson Bhebhe of Umguza District appeared before Western Commonage Regional Magistrate Pasipanodya Maturure facing a charge of attempted murder.
The court heard that the violent attack happened on 27 June at about 9pm.
Prosecutor Christina Manyika told the court that Bhebhe repeatedly struck his neighbour, Praise Moyo, on the head and face with a half brick during the assault.
Moyo suffered deep cuts to his face and severe head injuries before he was rushed for medical treatment.
A medical report produced in court confirmed that the complainant sustained severe lacerations to the head and face caused by blunt force trauma.
In his judgment, Magistrate Maturure dismissed Bhebhe’s version of events, including his claim that he had acted in self-defence.
“The State has successfully proved its case against the accused person beyond reasonable doubt. The accused’s bare denial and plea of self-defence are rejected as false beyond reasonable doubt,” ruled the magistrate.
He added that the medical evidence clearly showed the seriousness of the injuries inflicted during the attack.
The court found that Bhebhe either intended to kill Moyo or realised there was a real possibility that his actions could cause his death but continued with the assault regardless.
For the offence, Bhebhe was sentenced to six years in prison.
However, two years of the sentence were suspended for five years on condition that he does not commit another offence involving violence for which he is sentenced to imprisonment without the option of a fine.
He will therefore serve an effective four-year jail term.
