Chronicle Editor
Trish Mukwazo, [email protected]
A 24-YEAR-OLD man was yesterday sentenced to five years in prison by a Bulawayo magistrate for attempted murder, after he stabbed a fellow patron with a knife several times all over the body.
Michael Jeke from Bulawayo will serve an effective three years in prison after two years were suspended on condition he does not commit a similar offence within the next five years.
In mitigation, he told the court that he is a breadwinner with a disabled wife and two children.
In passing the sentence, the magistrate, Mr Matthew Mutiro took into consideration that Jeke is a first-time offender and has family that looks up to him for financial support.
“Attempted murder is a very serious offence. The offender stabbed the victim several times all over the body, in the process inflicting serious visible injuries. The attack was brutal and committed in aggravated circumstances.
“The offender has already spent seven months in custody and is accordingly sentenced to five years in prison. Two years are suspended without the option of paying a fine,” ruled the magistrate.
Prosecuting, Ms Concillia Ncube, said on March 10 around midnight the victim, Tinashe Moyo, was drinking with his colleagues at Sakhile Syndicate Mine in Kensington.
“He witnessed an intoxicated Jeke having a misunderstanding with other patrons. Jeke later approached Moyo and asked him what his thoughts were regarding the misunderstanding that he had just witnessed.
“An altercation ensued between the two leading Jeke to become violent,” said Ms Ncube.
Ms Ncube said Jeke then produced an okapi knife and stabbed Moyo all over the body.
The court heard that Jeke stabbed Moyo on his left shoulder, left thigh and left side of the stomach, inflicting serious injuries on the complainant.
“After he stabbed the victim, Jeke fled the scene. The victim was assisted by unknown people,” Ms Ncube said.
The victim was ferried to the United Bulawayo Hospitals (UBH) for medical attention.
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