Loose tongue lands landlord behind bars

magistrate found him guilty of verbally abusing his tenant.
Magistrate Mr Silas Chitongo last week sentenced Zacharia Ngende (30) to one year imprisonment for the verbal abuse.
Six months were suspended on condition that Ngende does not commit a similar offence in the next five years.
The State’s case, as presented by prosecutor Miss Tendai Shonhayi, proved that on February 25 this year, Ngende arrived at his house in Unit M drunk and singing at the top of his voice.
As he entered the passageway, he started shouting in Shona saying: “Washington Rupondo une Aids. Paunogezera handitodi kupagezera, ndinotoda kukuuraya mese nemhuri yako. Uchabva pano uri mubhokisi.”
(Washington Rupondo you have Aids. I can’t even share a bathing room with you. I want to kill you together with your family. You will leave this place in a coffin).
When Rupondo, who was in his bedroom did not respond, Ngende grabbed an iron bar and forced open the bedroom door.
The State said Ngende entered the room where Rupondo and his wife were while they were both naked.
Rupondo’s wife managed to cover herself and push the landlord out, the court was told.
The next day the couple made a police report leading to Ngende’s arrest.
In mitigation, Ngende said he was drunk when he committed the offence and he could not clearly remember what had transpired that night.