Online Reporter
Danisa Masuku, Court Writer
A man from Fort Rixon in Matabeleland South Province has appeared in court for allegedly stabbing a fellow community member with an Okapi knife, leaving him in critical condition, reportedly for gossiping about him.
Prosper Thamsanqa Mhlanga (25), dressed in a dirty black T-shirt and blue denim trousers and sporting unkempt hair, appeared before Bulawayo Regional Magistrate Mr Mark Dzira facing an attempted murder charge.
Mhlanga was not asked to plead but confirmed the allegations against him.
He was advised of his legal right to enlist the services of a lawyer and to apply for bail at the Bulawayo High Court.
He was remanded in custody until January 14. Representing the State, Ms Nomthandazo Mafu told the court that on December 29 this year, at around 6PM at Claremont Business Centre in Fort Rixon, Mhlanga met Gift Mpofu, whom he fiercely accused of gossiping and spreading lies about him.
“He fumed before reaching for a knife from his jacket and randomly stabbed Mpofu. He left him lying in a pool of blood. Mpofu bled profusely and collapsed at the scene. After that, the accused fled and went into hiding,” said Ms Mafu.
The court heard that on the following day, Mhlanga went to a nearby homestead wielding a machete and threatened to attack family members.
“He demanded food, and they cooked for him. After eating, he left to hide in a bushy area. He terrorised anyone he came across while threatening them with death,” the court heard.
The matter was reported to the police, who launched an urgent manhunt leading to his arrest.
Meanwhile, a man named Khuzani Ndlovu from Nyamandlovu in Matabeleland North Province was arrested and appeared in court for routine remand before Bulawayo Regional Magistrate Mr Mark Dzira.
He is facing an attempted murder charge after allegedly hurling insults at his mother-in-law and setting her hut on fire while she was inside.
He was remanded in custody until January 14 for the commencement of his trial.
Ms Siphiwe Mhlanga told the court that Ndlovu allegedly hurled insults, locked the doors from the outside with wire, and set the room on fire.
“The elderly woman screamed for help, and neighbours rushed to save her, breaking down the door just in time. Villagers chased after Ndlovu, caught him, and handed him over to the police, leading to his arrest,” she said.
