Three years in jail for log attack on ‘elderly’ aunt

A 38-year-old Tsholotsho man will forever rue the day he struck his elderly aunt with a log several times after he was caged for an effective three years in prison yesterday.

Patrick Moyo was convicted of attempted murder by Bulawayo regional magistrate, Ms Sibonginkosi Mnkandla, for the brutal attack on his aunt, Ms Senzeni Moyo (62), in a family dispute.

Ms Mnkandla sentenced Moyo to five years imprisonment but suspended two years on condition of good behaviour.

In his defence, Moyo claimed that his aunt was possessed and inflicted injuries on herself by bashing her head on the gate and violently rolling all over the ground.

Ms Mnkandla noted that Moyo used a dangerous weapon to assault his aunt.

“The victim’s statement was clear and satisfactory when she told the court that the offender attacked her with a log. This was supported by the medical report submitted in court that showed that the victim sustained visible injuries on her body,” said Ms Mnkandla.

She noted that the court does not support Moyo’s version of events.

“The medical report confirmed that the attack happened in aggravated circumstances.

“This satisfies the court’s evidence that he aimed for the head which is a sensitive area of the body, inflicting the victim with serious injuries,” she said.

“The offender did not render assistance to the victim after the commission of the offence. Courts should sentence such offenders with a prison term to send a clear message to the public that the law frowns at such deplorable conducts,” said Ms Mnkandla.

Prosecuting, Ms Nomthandazo Mafu told the court that on the fateful day at around 10am Ms Moyo was on her way home from a funeral in the village when she was confronted by Moyo holding a log.

Ms Mafu said Moyo accused Ms Moyo of preventing his son from using the family scotch cart, before assaulting her several times on the left hand, three times on the head and several times on the back with the log.

“Moyo then left the victim unconscious. She later gained consciousness and proceeded to her place of residence. The victim reported the matter to the police the following day and was referred to Tsholotsho District Hospital for medical examination,” said Ms Mafu.

She said Ms Moyo sustained a swollen head, swollen left hand and bruises on her back.