Online Reporter
Moreblessing Ncube
WHILE the frustration of rising crime often leaves communities on edge, the dangerous rise of “instant justice” is proving to be a remedy worse than the disease.
Mob justice, a lawless explosion of violence, does not solve crime; it only creates more criminals. Taking the law into one’s own hands is not an act of justice, but a one-way ticket to a prison cell.
This grim reality was at play when Nkosana Mpofu (31) and Meluleki Ngwenya (44), both from Dundubala in Insuza, Matabeleland South province appeared before Bulawayo magistrate Patience Madondo facing assault charges.
The duo was remanded in custody to March 13 for trial after they both pleaded not guilty to the charges.
The court heard that the charges arose after the pair cornered Gift Mpofu, whom they suspected of being a stock thief.
Instead of handing him over to the authorities, the accused allegedly took turns to assault him, effectively turning him into a “punching bag.”
The court heard that on 6 March, around 3pm, Gift arrived at Dundubala Hall.
But instead of a warm welcome, he was met with suspicious glares. Locals cornered him and demanded to know what he was doing in their neck of the woods.
Prosecutor Joseph Rugara told the court: “When Gift failed to produce his ID, Nkosana lost his cool. He charged at him and rained punches on his face, accusing him of being a cattle rustler.”
Gift fled the scene and sought refuge at Alice Ndlovu’s homestead in Village 2A Dundubala, but Nkosana and Ngwenya followed him and assaulted him again, using their booted feet all over his body.
Gift reported the incident to the police, leading to the duo’s arrest. A medical report was submitted as evidence in court.
