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TWO brick layers in Hertfordshire in Gweru were yesterday each sentenced to perform 210 hours of community service by a local magistrate for assaulting their friend after he refused to buy them beer.Chengetanai Mapfumo, 32, of 13 Hertfordshire Phase 1 and Tawanda Manyangarirwa, 31, of 315 Hertfordshire were convicted of assault by Gweru magistrate, Florence Nago, and sentenced to 12 months in jail each.
However, Nago suspended six months for five years for both men on condition that the two would not commit the same offence during that period.
A further six months were suspended on condition that the two complete 210 hours of community service at Regina Mundi High School just outside Gweru Central Business District.
Prosecuting, Daniel Tafuma said on 12 August this year at Chief Tuck shop along Harare-Gweru road, at around 10.30PM, the complainant, Ranganai Sakume and his two friends Mapfumo and Manyangarirwa were drinking beer together.
Tafuma said Mapfumo then asked the complainant to buy beer for him. The complainant refused, an argument ensued, leading to a fight among the three friends.
Mapfumo head-butted the complainant once on the nose and the complainant was saved by other people who were at the scene.
Sakume tried to escape but was hit with an empty crate on the head by Manyangarirwa.
The complainant sustained injuries on the nose and head.
The matter was reported to the police leading to the arrest of the two.
derick.khumalo