Chronicle Editor
Sharon Buwerimwe, Court Reporter
A 16-year-old bully from Bulawayo, who stabbed another boy three times with an Okapi knife for refusing to pay “protection fees,” was lucky to escape jail when he was sentenced to perform community service.
The assailant from Mpopoma suburb ambushed and stabbed his victim, also aged 16, on his back while he was on his way to a barbershop.
The court heard that the accused had previously demanded money from the complainant who lives at a neighbouring house but he refused to give him.
The juvenile was convicted on his own plea to one count of an assault by Western Commonage magistrate, Ms Gladmore Mushove.
In passing her sentence, Ms Mushove said the boy was a repentant first offender who pleaded guilty and therefore did not waste the court’s time.
“After considering evidence that has been brought before the court, you are found guilty as charged. You are sentenced to do 105 hours of community service at Western Commonage Courts,” she said.
The boy said he stabbed his neighbour with a screwdriver.
For the State, Mr Stewart Madzore said the accused person committed the offence on October 20 this year.— @sharonbuwe
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