adminCollette Mukome
ASSAULTING his aunt and uncle over witchcraft allegations landed a Honde Valley man in trouble after he was arrested in connection with the case.
Newman Muchenu (28) pleaded not guilty to assaulting his aunt Merjury Muchenu (83) and uncle, Chipo Muchenu (79). He had his relatives to thank after they withdrew the charges against him saying they had forgiven him.
Ms Nyasha Kuture presided over the matter, while Mr Shepherd Chawarika prosecuted.
The court heard that on February 22 at around 5am, Newman together with other family members and a tsikamutanda arrived at her uncle’s house to confront them on witchcraft allegations.
Mejury woke up after she heard some noise outside.
“I went out and saw Newman in the company of other family members and the other person whom they referred as tsikamutanda. They told me that I was practising witchcraft. I then rushed back into my bedroom to call my husband, Chipo. We went out and locked our doors and stood outside,” she said.
Chipo told the court that the marauding invaders demanded the keys to the house saying they wanted to confiscate the paraphernalia they allegedly use to bewitch people.
“My wife refused with the keys and Newman pushed her down and assaulted her,” he said.
Newman also allegedly assaulted Chipo who bled profusely from the nose.
The complainants were rescued by the village head, Mr Noah Muchenu, who asked everyone to leave the place.
After the incident, Chipo said he discovered that a total of $150 which he had placed under the pillow had been stolen.
Online Reporter