shloboe boe
Lesley Chikudo, [email protected]
A 20-YEAR-OLD Bulawayo man who indiscriminately axed his friend for demanding his cellphone was yesterday sentenced to eight years in jail.
Nathan Philip of Pumula South suburb pleaded not guilty but was convicted of attempted murder by Western Commonage regional magistrate, Mrs Sibongile Marondedze.
Phiri will, however, serve an effective five years in prison, after three years were suspended for five on the condition of good behaviour.
The incident which occurred on October 23 last year at a house in Pumula South, left the victim, Mr Mkhanyiso Ndlovu with severe head injuries.
In passing the sentence, the magistrate noted that the victim was emotionally disturbed and is now taking medication due to the injuries he sustained.
Prosecuting, Mrs Christine Manyika told the court that the incident happened at around 2PM when Mr Ndlovu went to Phiri’s house to collect his cellphone.
“When Mr Ndlovu arrived at Phiri’s place he asked him to return his phone and that is when Phiri and his girlfriend who is still at large started to assault,” said Ms Manyika.
Mr Ndlovu had borrowed Phiri his phone. A report was made to the police leading to Phiri’s arrest.
As a result of the assault, Mr Ndlovu suffered severe head injuries, a swollen face, and difficulties in walking. A medical report and a psychiatrist report were produced as evidence in court.
Online Reporter