Online Reporter
Musawenkosi Moyo
A 46-YEAR-OLD man from Makokoba suburb in Bulawayo, who was facing charges of threatening to stab his 68-year-old mother over witchcraft accusations, was spared jail time and fined US$400.
Mkhululi Ndebele appeared before Bulawayo magistrate Ernest Muzembi, facing one charge of physical abuse.
He pleaded guilty and was sentenced to pay a US$400 fine, with six months’ imprisonment in default of payment.
He also received a four-month suspended sentence on condition that he does not commit a similar offence within five years.
In sentencing, the court noted that the accused’s extreme disrespect towards his mother by threatening her with a knife was an unacceptable act.
The court further commented on the moral decay eroding family life and expressed its disapproval of such behaviour.
The court also considered that the accused was a first-time offender who pleaded guilty, thereby saving the court’s time and resources.
The court heard that on 8 November 2024, at around 6pm in Makokoba suburb, the accused began insulting his mother, Siphilisiwe Mlotshwa, accusing her of bewitching her two daughters.
The court heard that Ndebele then grabbed a kitchen knife and threatened to stab his mother with it.
Fearing for her life Mlotshwa fled from the house and reported the matter leading to the accused’s arrest.
