Online Reporter
Sukulwenkosi Dube-Matutu, [email protected]
A three-man gang has been sentenced to five years’ imprisonment for attacking a man and leaving him severely injured during a dispute.
Bruce Moyo (23), Aaron Ndlovu (25), and Ezra Mpofu (22) pleaded not guilty to a charge of attempted murder but were convicted due to overwhelming evidence presented before Gwanda Regional Magistrate, Mrs Sithembiso Ndebele.
Each was sentenced to five years’ imprisonment, with two years suspended on condition they do not commit a similar offence within five years. They will serve an effective three-year jail term.
Prosecuting, Mr Ngonidzashe Shumba said the trio, accompanied by six accomplices who remain at large, attacked Mr Sifelani Siziba with a knobkerrie, kicked him repeatedly, and stabbed him twice — once on the left side of the chest and once on the left thigh.
The complainant is employed as a general miner at Kwashira Claim, Freda Mine in Gwanda, while the accused work at a neighbouring mining claim.
“On 19 June 2025, at around 7pm, the complainant was pushing a wheelbarrow after fetching water when the accused and their six accomplices, who are still on the run, confronted him, demanding to know who he was.
“The complainant explained that he was not the individual they had a misunderstanding with, but this response did not sit well with the accused. Moyo struck the complainant on the head with a knobkerrie, while Ndlovu, Mpofu, and their accomplices kicked him all over the body.
“They then stabbed him twice — once in the chest and once in the thigh — before fleeing the scene. The complainant sustained deep cuts to both areas,” said Mr Shumba.
The matter was reported to the police, leading to the arrest of the trio. The complainant was referred to Gwanda Provincial Hospital for treatment.
In passing sentence, Mrs Ndebele remarked that the trio’s actions could have cost the complainant his life. She emphasised that a custodial sentence was necessary to deter others from similar conduct.
“Your actions could have cost the life of the complainant, and it is indisputable that your intention was to inflict maximum harm. The courts do not condone violence, and your conduct has clearly demonstrated that you pose a danger to society. A custodial sentence is therefore warranted as a deterrent,” she said. —@DubeMatutu
