Chronicle Editor
Laurel Murangaridzirayi, [email protected]
A MAN from Nyamandlovu in Umguza District who allegedly assaulted a fellow villager on the head with a metal bar over an undisclosed dispute has appeared in court.
Ishmael Masuku from Samson Village appeared before Bulawayo Regional Magistrate, Mr Joseph Mabeza facing an attempted murder charge.
Masuku pleaded not guilty to the charge and was remanded in custody to September 7, for trial.
Prosecuting, Mr Milton Moyo said Masuku, was drinking at the same beerhall with Mr Sydney Gumede and a misunderstanding ensued around 10PM when the beerhall was closing.
“On an unknown date, the accused person had a misunderstanding around 10PM with the complainant while they were at a local beer hall. The complainant was with his own friends drinking opaque beer,” said Mr Moyo.
He said after the altercation Masuku followed Mr Gumede to his homestead.
“Later that evening around 10PM, the accused decided to follow Gumede who was also intoxicated to his home.
Masuku approached Gumede regarding an issue that had arisen due to a misunderstanding between the two individuals,” said Mr Moyo.
He told the court that upon arrival at Mr Gumede’s homestead, Masuku re-ignited the argument before assaulting him several times with metal bar on the head.
“The accused person arrived at the complainant’s house where a conflict was further generated, leading to the complainant being beaten with a metal bar on the head several times,” Mr Moyo said.
He said neighbours managed to calm the situation after intervening and reprimanded Masuku.
“The neighbours were awakened by noise from the pair’s scuffle. The accused person was seen holding a metal bar assaulting the complainant on the head till the neighbours came to help,” he said.
Mr Moyo said Mr Gumede made a police report before being referred to the hospital for examination.
“The complainant was rushed to the police and he was referred to the hospital to get treatment while the accused person was arrested,” he said.
In his defence, Masuku said Mr Gumede was responsible for the turn of events as he challenged him to a fight.
“Gumede was insulting me and I asked who he was insulting and he answered back saying he was referring to me. He ordered me to stop if I was not afraid.
“He further said he was going to burn my house. Gumede followed me to my house not what I’m being told here in court, he tried to proceed to my bedroom and I grabbed him, took the iron bar he was holding and I assaulted him until he ran back to his homestead,” said Masuku.
Mr Gumede told the court that the assault that he suffered has resulted in constant headaches.
Online Reporter