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A Tsholotsho man has been sentenced to eight years in prison for causing the death of a fellow villager he accused of being disrespectful.
Kholisani Mvundla of Butabubili Village was convicted of a lesser charge of culpable homicide by High Court judge Justice Andrew Mutema. His accomplice Yugoslavia Sibanda from the same area had charges against him withdrawn before plea.
The two were being charged with causing the death of Dumezweni Gumbo (29) who they struck with a log and unknown objects on the way from a beer drink at night in 2010.
Mvundla will, however, serve an effective six years after two years were suspended for five years on condition of good behaviour.
The State’s case was that on 4 August 2010, Mvundla and Sibanda were drinking beer at Butabubili Business Centre.
The two left at 10pm going to their homesteads and when they got to Butabubili Primary School grounds, they met Gumbo who was in the company of his brother, Njabulo.
On seeing Gumbo, Mvundla accused him of being disrespectful and struck him three times on the knees with a log.
Gumbo fell to the ground while his brother Njabulo fled and hid about 60 metres from the scene.
Sibanda allegedly joined in the assault and used an unknown object to assault Gumbo until he fell unconscious.
Njabulo went to a nearby homestead where he borrowed a wheelbarrow and carried his brother home.
In the morning, Gumbo was carried to Sikente Clinic where he was referred to Tsholotsho District Hospital before being transferred to Mpilo Central Hospital where he died a few days later.
The post-mortem report showed that Gumbo died as a result of injuries sustained from the assault.
A report was made to the police leading to Mvundla and Sibanda’s arrest.
Mr Whispher Mabhaudhi from the Attorney General’s Office represented the State.
Online Reporter
derick.khumalo