Online Reporter
Moreblessing Ncube
WHAT started as a peaceful braai in Nyamandlovu ended in bedlam when a herdsman turned a friendly roast into a courtroom roast, all over a piece of meat.
Trymore Mpala (29) from East Junction Village 2 found himself standing before Bulawayo Magistrate Maxwell Ncube this week after he clobbered his neighbour, Tawanda Sibanda, with a log during a heated dispute over half-cooked meat.
Prosecutor Mehluli Ndlovu told the court that on August 9 at Muntu Village, the two men were happily roasting meat together when Mpala decided to “taste” a piece before it was ready.
Sibanda, who was apparently very particular about his meat, blocked him and insisted they wait for it to cook properly.
That small gesture was enough to turn Mpala into a raging bull. In a bizarre twist, Sibanda began dancing while waiting for the meat, a move that seemed to fuel Mpala’s anger even more.
Without warning, Mpala stormed over and whacked him on the back of the head with a log, bringing the braai session to a dramatic halt.
Sibanda was rushed to the hospital and later presented a medical affidavit in court to confirm his injuries.
The courtroom was in stitches when the interpreter read the charge sheet, with some spectators struggling to hold back their laughter.
The magistrate did not hide his disbelief either. He sternly warned Mpala to control his temper, saying if he continued attacking people over meat, the next punishment would be jail time instead of a fine.
In the end, Mpala was ordered to fork out US$150, or face two months in prison if he failed to pay.
Locals leaving the courtroom were still shaking their heads in disbelief.
What was supposed to be a tasty braai ended with bitter tears, a hospital visit, and a fine that could have bought a whole goat.
