Online Reporter
Moreblessing Ncube
FIVE artisanal miners from Ntabazinduna appeared in court facing chilling attempted murder charges after they allegedly brutalised a man with sticks, knobkerries, and stones before throwing him into a well and leaving him for dead.
The accused, Ndodana Moyo (20), Nkosilathi Ncube (20), Learnmore Ncube (20), Givemore Tshangani (22), and Witness Dube, were remanded in custody by Bulawayo Magistrate Sibonginkosi Mnkandla to 8 September.
Prosecutor Owen Mugari told the court that the brutal attack happened on 19 May at around 8PM at Horseshoe, Maburmouna.
The complainant, Ishamel Madwala (40), testified that he had tried to flee when he saw the group moving around beating people.
“Ndodana and Nkosilathi were carrying sticks, Learnmore had a knobkerrie, Givemore held an axe, while Witness was armed with a stick,” Madwala said.
He said he ran behind some shops and climbed a fence but was caught and dragged down by the group.
“As I clung to the fence, they struck me hard. I felt myself weaken and lose strength. Givemore ordered the others to pull me down, then hit me on the jaw with the handle of the axe. I fell and everything went black,” Madwala told the court.
When he regained consciousness, he realised he was being dumped into a well.
“I woke up in darkness, in water, unable to move. My jaw was dislocated, two teeth were gone, and my left leg was broken,” he said.
Madwala told the court that he can no longer work properly, now walks with crutches, and struggles to chew food because of his injuries.
The gang allegedly left him in the well, believing he was dead. He was later rescued by passersby who heard his faint cries for help.
The accused denied attacking Madwala. They admitted they were at the shops on the night in question but claimed they never assaulted anyone.
They argued that Madwala was confused and wrongly blaming them.
The matter was adjourned as investigations continue, with police warning that mob violence will be met with stiff punishment.
