adminMncedisi Buhali Sunday News Reporter
A 23-YEAR-OLD Bulawayo vendor went berserk and stabbed three men using a broken bottle, following a misunderstanding over a cellphone, a court heard. Wonder Nyengere appeared before Bulawayo magistrate, Mrs Sibongile Msipa, on Wednesday last week facing assault charges as defined in Section 89 of the Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Act Chapter 9:23.
He pleaded guilty to the charges.
He was ordered to perform 526 hours of community service at Pumula Police Station.
Mrs Msipa initially sentenced him to 24 months in prison. Six months were suspended on condition that he does not commit a similar offence in the next five years, while the remaining 18 months were suspended on condition that he completes 526 hours of community service.
In sentencing, Mrs Msipa said Nyengere was a first time offender who pleaded guilty to the charge and did not waste the court’s time.
“Imprisonment is not suitable for a first time offender who pleaded guilty to the charge. If sent to prison, the person will come out a hardened criminal and be a burden to society, hence community service will serve justice to this case,” she said.
Prosecuting, Mr Taurai Hondoyemoto told the court how on 20 December 2014, at about 10pm and at Manor Hotel, Nyengere gave a cellphone to the wife of the complainant, Mr Walter Ndebele.
“Later the accused person approached Ndebele and he requested his cellphone from him, which his wife took. The complainant told him that he did not have the cellphone. The accused became angry and he stabbed the complainant twice on the left hand with a broken bottle,” said Mr Hondoyemoto.
“The complainant sustained deep cuts on the left hand and was treated at Central Hospital (UBH).”
He stated that, on that same day, another complainant, Mr Makesure Khumalo, a security guard employed by Shield Security Company, was on duty when he saw Nyengere stabbing Ndebele with a broken bottle.
“Khumalo approached the accused trying to stop him from assaulting Ndebele, but the accused stabbed him once with a broken bottle on the thumb,” he said.
Mr Hondoyemoto added that Nyengere also stabbed Vusumuzi Zita, who also tried to make him reason.
“Zita was stabbed on the right thigh with that same broken bottle and he sustained injuries,” he said.
Online Reporter