admin Nhlalwenhle Ncube
A MAN was almost killed by a thief that employed covert tactics to rob him of his valuables.
Thembinkosi Mabhena (32) was left for dead by Mutandwa Mhepo (23) who robbed him at around 5am when he was doing morning exercises.
Mhepo made Mabhena believe that he was also exercising before attacking him.
Fortunately, when Mabhena regained his consciousness, he reported the matter to police leading to the accuseda��s arrest.
Mhepo was arrested on robbery charges and he appeared before Western commonage magistrate Lungile Ncube.
The court heard that on 12 February at around 5am, Mabhena was jogging when he met Mhepo who also pretended to be exercising.
Mhepo joined Mabhena and they ran for a short distance before the former produced a knife.
Unfortunately it was too late for Mabhena to defend himself as Mhepo suddenly stabbed him on the back ordering him to hand over his cellphone.
Upon resisting, the accused stabbed him again on the right hand and snatched the Samsung Grand Neo phone leaving the complainant lying on the ground.
Since the complainant had noticed the accused facial looks, he reported the matter to the police and thereafter started doing his own investigations.
Fortunately, he got the necessary information about the accused persona��s place and informed police,A� leading to Mhepoa��s arrest.
The stolen phone was valued at $200 and nothing was recovered.
Mhepo was remanded in custody to 23 February.
derick.khumalo