Online Reporter
Sukulwenkosi Dube-Matutu, [email protected]
A 21-YEAR-OLD Gwanda man has been sentenced to five years imprisonment for attacking a neighbour who intervened during a fight.
Andy Singo from Bethel Village in Guyu was convicted on his own plea of guilty to attempted murder by Gwanda Provincial Magistrate, Ms Patience Madondo.
He was sentenced to five years imprisonment of which two years were suspended on condition that he does not within five years commit a similar offence. He will serve an effective three-year jail sentence.
Prosecuting, Mr Ngonidzashe Shumba said the incident occurred on April 5 around 7PM at Fumukwe Business Centre.
“Singo had a misunderstanding with Mr Hlomani Moyo. The complainant, Mr Stephen Ncube (29), intervened to stop the fight in the company of Mr Mengezi Ncube, and they all dismissed from the scene. The accused later followed the complainant whilst on his way home and hit him on the head with a cement brick, causing serious injuries,” he said.
The matter was reported to the police, leading to Singo’s arrest.
In passing the sentence, Ms Madondo said the sentence reflects the seriousness of the offence and should serve as a deterrent measure to others who might contemplate similar actions.
“Attempted murder is a grave and serious offence that carries severe consequences. The actions of Singo, who unlawfully attempted to take the life of Stephen Ncube by striking him with a cement brick, demonstrate a blatant disregard for human life,” she said.
“The court takes a dim view of such behaviour, and it is imperative that we send a strong message to would-be offenders.”
In another incident a Guyu man aged 27 has been sentenced to 280 hours of community service for assaulting an elderly man aged 63.
Obriel Mdlongwa (27) of Pelele Village was convicted on his own plea of guilt to assault by Gwanda Magistrate Gillian Padzakashamba. He was sentenced to 12 months imprisonment of which four months were suspended on condition that he does not within the next five years commit a similar offence.
The remaining eight months were suspended on condition that the accused completes 280 hours community service at Pelele Primary School.
Prosecuting, Ms Rejoice Mlilo, said Mlilo attacked Mr Thuso Nyathi on March 19.
“On March 19, 2025, at around 2030 hours, the complainant was at Pelele Business Centre, taking some refreshments with Mr Tisesto Ncube.
“The accused and Mr Tisetso Ncube engaged in a fight and the complainant went to calm the situation,” she said.
“This did not go well with the accused person who then clapped the complainant with an open hand once on the left side cheek and went behind the shops.
“After some minutes the accused person returned back holding an empty bottle of Gold Blend Whisky and hit the complainant once on the left side of the head and disappeared into the darkness.”
The complainant then reported the assault to the police and was referred to hospital for treatment.
The complainant sustained a cut on the left side of the head and swollen cheek. — @DubeMatutu.
