Chronicle Editor
Laurel Murangaridzirayi, [email protected]
TWO villagers from Fort Rixon in Insiza District who allegedly indiscriminately attacked a neighbour using a spear and sticks following a dispute appeared in court on Monday
Phumzile Nkomo (41) and Farai Sibanda (43) both of Village 5, Virginia appeared before Bulawayo magistrate, Ms Nomagugu Maphosa facing assault charges. He pleaded not guilty.
They were remanded out of custody to October 9 on US$30 bail pending trial.
Prosecuting, Mr Joseph Rugara said on August 26 at around 1AM, Nkomo and Sibanda ganged up with three accomplices, who are still on the run, and went to Mbongeni Mlotshwa’s homestead armed with sticks and a spear
“The accused persons, along with three accomplices who are still at large, descended on Mlotshwa’s homestead carrying a spear and sticks. Upon arrival at Mlotshwa’s homestead, Nkomo kicked open the complainant’s bedroom door and stormed into the house,” he said.
One of the accused persons’ accomplices struck Mlotshwa on the neck alleging that he once assaulted him at the local business centre.
Mlotshwa tried to flee, but the accused persons caught up with him and took turns to attack him using sticks and a spear.
The complainant sustained neck injuries and a swollen foot following the attack and was rushed to Filabusi District Hospital.
A report was made to the police leading to the arrest of Nkomo and Sibanda.
Meanwhile, Mlotshwa also appeared before the same magistrate facing assault charges and was remanded out of custody to 9 October on US$30 bail. Mlotshwa allegedly assaulted Sibanda at Virginia 5 Business Centre during a drinking spree.
Mr Rugara told the court that on August 19 at around 7PM, Sibanda was drinking when Mlotshwa confronted him.
“The complainant was drinking beer at Nkomeni Tuck-shop in Village 5 Virginia area in the company of Handsome Shumba and Clifford Mazwi. While they were drinking, Mlotshwa and Knowledge Dube who was armed with an okapi knife joined them,” he said.
The court was told that Sibanda reprimanded Dube for carrying a knife in a public place.
The court heard that Mbongeni, who was with Dube, was irked by Sibanda’s remark and started attacking him.
Mlotshwa allegedly struck the complainant once on the head using a plank and he fell down.
Mlotshwa was arrested when he had gone to the police station to report the assault by Sibanda and Nkomo.
Online Reporter