Vusumuzi Dube
Rutendo Nyeve, Sunday News Reporter
AN emotional atmosphere filled Bulawayo Magistrates courtroom last Wednesday, as a packed gallery murmured in disbelief, following a heart-wrenching recommendation from a 30-year-old woman that her 28-year-old brother be jailed for threatening her with a knife while under the influence of drugs.
Ms Daphne Chikowore was speaking during a victim impact assessment before Bulawayo magistrate Miss Nomagugu Maphosa, who sought her input on the appropriate punishment for her younger brother, Malcolm Masimba.
The State heard that Masimba who resides in Sauerstown, on 16 February this year threatened Ms Chikowore with a kitchen knife saying she must vacate their father’s house. The court heard that Masimba threatened to kill her if she did not vacate the house.
Masimba, who frequently gave humorous responses in Shona street lingo while in the dock pleaded guilty to the charge and asked the court to forgive him.
“I admit to the charge and understand the facts that were read to me. On the fateful day, my sister was spraying some insect repellent and I advised her that she should not spray near my bedroom but she told me that she was spraying insects that included me. That is when I took a kitchen knife and threatened her,” said Masimba in mitigation.
Miss Maphosa then called Ms Chikowore to do a victim impact assessment where she revealed that her younger brother was abusing drugs.
“I was shocked and pained when my brother threatened me. The problem is that he takes drugs and becomes violent. I would recommend that he be imprisoned and taken to Ingutsheni Hospital for him to be rehabilitated,” said Ms Chikowore.
Miss Maphosa, however, advised her that it was not within the court’s jurisdiction to do so.
“Please give him a jail sentence,” pleaded Ms Chikowore.
The magistrate did not relent to Ms Chikowore’s pleas and instead sentenced Masimba to 240 hours of community service.
Online Reporter