Online Reporter
Mthokozisi Ncube
TWO mine workers allegedly teamed up with two others to attack their colleague with a knife and a snooker ball in a brutal Bulawayo assault.
The Bulawayo Magistrates’ Court has sentenced Njabulo Mpofu (31) of Mabutho and Clinton Mlilo (27) of Nkulumane 5 to an effective three years in prison each for attempted murder.
The court heard the incident occurred on July 10, 2026 at around 9pm at Springs Central Mine in Umguza, where the two men were employed.
Mpofu and Mlilo had a misunderstanding with their workmate, Roy Gwauya (29).
The pair, together with two other suspects who remain at large, physically attacked Gwauya.
During the assault, Gwauya was stabbed once on the back of his left shoulder with a knife.
The attackers also used a snooker ball as a weapon, striking him once on the forehead.
Gwauya was subsequently medically examined and reported the matter to the police.
Investigations led to the arrest of Mpofu and Mlilo, who were later convicted of attempted murder.
The court sentenced each man to five years’ imprisonment, but suspended two years for five years on condition that they do not commit another offence involving violence during that period.
They will consequently serve an effective three years each behind bars.
The National Prosecuting Authority of Zimbabwe condemned the violence, warning members of the public against settling disputes through physical attacks.
