Jobless teen beaten for ‘finishing food’

An order for perpetual silence is granted to prevent abuse of court process and harassment of an innocent party who is being persistently dragged to court, incurring costs in the process

Auxilia Katongomara, Chronicle Reporter
A 69-YEAR-OLD man allegedly assaulted a teenager who stays at his homestead accusing him of being jobless and finishing his food.

Bhekimpilo Ndlovu, 19, was admitted to the Intensive Care Unit at the United Bulawayo Hospitals (UBH) following the beating at the hands of Mpilo Mnkandla of Phumuza area in Plumtree.

Regional magistrate Sibongile Msipa-Marondedze did not ask Mnkandla to plead when he appeared before her facing an attempted murder charge.

Mnkandla and Ndlovu are not related.

Prosecuting, Concillia Ncube told the court that on June 26 last year, Ndlovu got home from visiting a friend and heard Mnkandla telling his wife that she must not leave him food as he is a layabout who lived off other people’s sweat.

“When Ndlovu got into the house, Mnkandla picked up a knobkerrie and assaulted him. Ndlovu fell unconscious after the assault,” said Ncube.

Ndlovu sustained deep cuts on the body but was not immediately taken to hospital.