Online Reporter
Moreblessing Ncube
IN a twisted act of revenge a 26-year-old man from Greenhill was hauled before the magistrate for stealing and strangling his neighbour’s prized cock in a bizarre drunken episode.
Mduduzi Maqondana, muscular and red-eyed, stood before Magistrate Maxwell Ncube, his eyes locked on the complainant Gift Mazivisa Chikomborero, sending a visible chill across the room. The intensity of his stare unsettled the gallery. It was difficult to decide whether he was possessed, just deeply embarrassed or trying to intimidate the complainant.
Charged with theft and animal cruelty, Maqondana was cautioned and discharged after spending four days in custody, but not before revealing a shocking excuse for his actions.
“Your Worship, I cannot remember a thing that happened that day as I had drunk more than five bottles of ice,” he croaked, his voice hoarse and barely above a whisper.
According to State Prosecutor Mehluli Ndlovu, the weird incident occurred on 9 July around 10PM. Maqondana allegedly sneaked into Chikomborero’s yard, opened the gate, and crept into the fowl run where he snatched a large white cock, which he later strangled to death.
Earlier that evening, Maqondana had tried to buy snacks on credit from Chikomborero but was turned away for not having money. Just thirty minutes later, a loud screech shattered the night. Rushing outside, Chikomborero found his fowl run gate wide open and his prized cork missing.
“I suspected Maqondana right away. He has a history of stealing in the neighbourhood,” Chikomborero told the court.
He searched the area and even went to confront Maqondana’s mother, but the suspect had vanished. Left with no choice, he reported the incident to the police.
The real shock came when he returned from the station. He found his beloved cock hanging dead at his gate, a chilling message or a cruel prank.
