Online Reporter
Moreblessing Ncube
A MATSHOBANA man has learnt that not every open door leads to free food and friendly smiles after allegedly crashing a lecturer’s welcoming party and wandering where guests were not expected to roam.
Solomon Henry (32) found himself before the courts after drama erupted on 2 January at a welcoming bash hosted by Nust lecturer Dr Lidion Sibanda. What started as laughter and plates of food quickly turned into raised eyebrows and questions of who invited who.
Trouble reportedly began at the food queue where guests started whispering among themselves that an intruder had slipped into their close-knit circle. None of the invited guests knew Henry and suspicion spread faster than gravy on isitshwala.
Moments later, the alleged party pooper was dragged from the food queue as murmurs turned into pointed fingers and demands for answers. The celebration mood soured as panic and disbelief rippled through the gathering. Cops where quickly called in. The hungry Henry was hauled away with his tummy still growling and his mouth salivating, after he was stopped, inches from the food trough.
Prosecutor Joseph Rugara told the court that Henry gate-crashed the party and was initially found inside a bedroom, a location not usually listed on the party programme. The surprise visit raised alarm and sowed the initial seed of suspicion among guests.
Henry however, had his own version. He insisted he was invited and claimed his presence was purely humanitarian. According to him, he was helping an elderly person get food, proving that even party crashers can wear angel wings.
Bulawayo magistrate Casmila Madzikatire weighed the drama and opted for mercy. She handed Henry a six-month sentence which was wholly suspended, sending him home with a warning and a lesson.
The case left guests laughing and shaking heads. Some told B-Metro that: “Next time invitations should be printed in bold letters and bedrooms clearly marked off limits!”
derick.khumalo