Danisa Masuku, Court Reporter
A 21-YEAR OLD man and four minors, who are facing murder, attempted murder, robbery and malicious damage to property charges, have been granted bail by a Bulawayo court.
Bhekumuzi Maphosa and the four minors all aged 17 years, were yesterday granted US$100 bail each by Bulawayo regional magistrate Mark Dzira.
The accused who pleaded not guilty to all the charges, were remanded to November 13.
Simbarashe Innocent Madzivire of Mashayamombe Law Firm is representing all the five accused.
In granting them bail, Dzira found that the State had not established compelling reasons to justify their continued detention. The court also considered that the accused were presumed innocent until proven guilty and that the seriousness of the charges, on its own, was not sufficient reason to deny them bail.
Each accused was granted US$100 bail and ordered to continue residing at their given addresses.
They were also ordered not to interfere with State witnesses or evidence and to report fortnightly at
Nkayi Police Station on Fridays between 6am and 6pm.
Prosecuting, Joseph Rugara told the court that on 16 October 2026, at around 11.20PM, some complainants were drinking beer at Blue Moon Nightclub at Famona Business Centre in Inyathi while others were at Siyabonga Nightclub.
It is alleged that at around 11.45PM, a group of about 15 people armed with machetes, spotlights, small axes and knives stormed Blue Moon Nightclub, attacking patrons and demanding valuables.
“Two complainants were assaulted and injured. The group proceeded to Siyabonga Nightclub where they assaulted and demanded cash from two complainants,” said Rugara.
The complainants allegedly fled and sought refuge at Famona Police Base.
The court further heard that the group proceeded to a homestead, where they allegedly used an axe to break into a bedroom, assaulted a man with logs and stones, damaged household property and a
Nissan March parked in the yard.
The State alleges that the group then went to the deceased’s bedroom, damaged the door, dragged him outside and assaulted him with logs and machetes, leaving him unconscious.
Villagers rushed him to Inyathi District Hospital, where he died on admission.
At around 3AM, villagers teamed up with police officers from Famona Police Base and pursued the suspected attackers.
They allegedly found a damaged Toyota Probox, registration number AGG 1823, belonging to one of the complainants.
With the assistance of Pitch Mine security guards, the five suspects were arrested in the Mucklenuck Farm area of Inyathi.
