Online Reporter
Danisa Masuku, Court writer
BULAWAYO businesswoman Mrs Sipho Mazibuko, who was found guilty of participating in an unsanctioned gathering outside the Bulawayo Magistrates’ Court, shed tears of joy yesterday after the provincial magistrate handed her a non-custodial sentence.
Mazibuko appeared for sentencing before Bulawayo Provincial Magistrate, Mr Richard Ramaboea.
She was represented by her lawyer, Mr Gamelihle Ncube of Bryce Hendrie and Partners, who delivered a compelling mitigation to spare her from jail.
“The offender is a 52-year-old woman. She is physically challenged and walks with the aid of a crutch. She suffers from Functional Neurological Disorder, a condition requiring continual medical monitoring and management. She also suffers from elevated blood pressure. Both conditions are medically managed but highly susceptible to worsening under shock, stress or trauma.
The court may take judicial notice of her recent hospitalisation during proceedings and its correspondence with her doctors and Mater Dei Hospital. The offender is the primary caregiver to several minor orphans who rely on her for accommodation, school fees and daily sustenance. This includes the 15-year-old rape victim central to this case, as well as two other female minors aged nine and 15. Furthermore, she employs 11 individuals who depend on her for their wages and livelihood. Sending her to jail would negatively impact innocent dependents,” said Mr Ncube.
Mr Ncube concluded by noting that Mazibuko co-operated with police from the outset and consistently attended her trial while on bail, demonstrating respect for the justice system. However, the magistrate found her guilty and sentenced her to pay a US$150 fine on or before November 30, 2025. Failure to pay will result in a 30-day jail term.
In sentencing, the magistrate noted that Mazibuko insulted the complainant, impairing her dignity and causing emotional distress. The court also found that Mazibuko masterminded the offence and used her influence to compel youths to wave placards against the elderly woman.
Prosecutor Mr Denmark Chihombe, told the court that on July 23, Mazibuko led her co-accused to the Bulawayo Magistrates’ Courts carrying placards inscribed with “#Justice for Noe.”
“Upon arrival at the court entrance, they waved their placards, alleging that the matter was taking too long to be finalised. They also accused the child’s grandmother of aiding her son to rape her under-age niece,” said Mr Chihombe.
