Online Reporter
Mthokozisi Ncube
A ROUTINE walk home from work turned bloody for a Pelandaba man after he was ambushed, brutally assaulted and robbed near 3rd Avenue and JMN Nkomo Street in the dead of night.
One of the alleged muggers is now claiming he was acting in self-defence.
Obert Dhliwayo was walking home around 2AM on 14 July when two men pounced on him. The attackers, identified as Artwell Moyo of Emakhandeni and an accomplice still on the run, reportedly left Dhliwayo battered and sprawled on the pavement.
“Moyo was punching him nonstop while he lay on the ground,” said a witness. A security guard nearby shouted, “Thief! Thief!” prompting the suspects to bolt. Moyo was caught shortly after, but his partner disappeared into the shadows.
The attackers allegedly made off with Dhliwayo’s wallet containing US$150, his national ID, and a black Itel cellphone.
In a dramatic twist, Moyo claimed he was not a robber but a fellow night traveller acting in self-defence.
“I was coming from work, heading home. I saw an elderly man carrying a knife and feared for my life,” Moyo said in his defence. “I panicked and hit him first. The security guard misunderstood the situation.”
However, police have thrown cold water on his version of events, confirming that no knife was recovered at the scene.
The case was reported to Bulawayo Central Police and Moyo is currently in custody. Authorities are appealing for any information that could help track down the second suspect.
