Online Reporter
Danisa Masuku, Court writer
BULAWAYO businesswoman, Mrs Sipho Mazibuko, who has been found guilty of participating in an unsanctioned gathering outside the Bulawayo Magistrates’ Court, where she and her acquitted seven co-accused waved placards, shed tears of joy after Bulawayo Provincial magistrate handed her a non-custodial sentence.
Mazibo appeared for sentencing on Wednesday before Bulawayo Provincial magistrate, Mr Richard Ramaboea.
She was represented by her lawyer, Mr Gamelihle Ncube Bryce Hendrie and Partners.
Mr Ncube delivered a compelling mitigation to save Mazibuko from being locked up in jail.
“The offender is a 52-year-old elderly female. She is physically challenged and walks with the aid of a crutch. The offender suffers from Functional Neurological Disorder, a condition requiring continual medical monitoring and management,” he said.
“She also suffers from elevated blood pressure. Both conditions are medically managed but highly susceptible to worsening in circumstances of shock, stress, or trauma.
“The court may take judicial notice of her most recent hospitalisation during court proceedings and its correspondence with the accused’s doctors and Mater Dei Hospital.
“The offender is the primary caregiver to a number of minor orphans who rely on her for accommodation, school fees, and daily sustenance. This includes the 15-year-old rape victim central to this case, as well as two other female minors aged 9 and 15.
“Furthermore, the offender employs 11 individuals who depend on her for their wages and livelihood. Sending her to jail would have negative impact on innocent dependents.”
Mr Ncube concluded by stating that Mrs Mazibuko cooperated with the police from the outset and has consistently attended her trial while on bail, demonstrating respect for the justice system and the rule of law.
However, the magistrate found her guilty and sentenced her to pay a US$150 fine on or before 30 November 2025.
Failure to pay by 30 November she will be jailed for 30 days.
