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Gibson Mhaka
THERE’S a saying, “Sharing is a way of multiplying joy,” that captures the spirit of good neighbours who share and create a sense of community.
While true for many, it held no meaning for a 33-year-old man from Bezu Village in Plumtree, Matabeleland South Province who brutally attacked his neighbour with a knobkerrie several times on the head, causing her to pass out, all following an argument over shared maize grain.
After rendering his neighbour unconscious through his savage assault, the assailant, Delux Ndiweni, callously abandoned her and fled the scene. He then proceeded to ransack her house, stealing 50kg of maize grain.
This was heard when Delux appeared before Plumtree magistrate Joshua Nembaware charged with assault. He pleaded guilty and was sentenced to 18 months imprisonment of which six months were suspended for a period of five years on condition that the accused does not within that period commit any offence involving assault, for which upon conviction he will be sentenced to imprisonment without the option of a fine.
He will, however, serve an effective 12 months in jail with hard labour. The court heard that on 25 June at around 3pm, Anna Ndiweni took a 10-litre portion of maize to the accused. The maize had been provided to the complainant by the Ministry of Social Welfare with the intention that it be shared.
The complainant took the maize to the accused’s homestead and gave it to Susan Tshuma, who was present at the time. Later that day, the accused sent Dennis Ndiweni to call the complainant, requesting she return the maize.
Upon the complainant’s arrival, a misunderstanding erupted after the accused felt the maize portion he received was insufficient. He grabbed a log with the intention to hit her, but she escaped and returned home. That same night, the complainant, fearing for her life slept at a neighbour’s house.
It was proved that on 16 June at around 8am, the accused approached the complainant and stated that he wanted to take his share of the maize in his preferred manner. While they were on their way to the complainant’s homestead, the accused, who was carrying a knobkerrie, struck the complainant on the head several times, causing her to fall down.
While the complainant lay unconscious on the ground, the accused entered her homestead and stole 50kg of maize grain. He then returned to his homestead. The complainant, who later regained consciousness, suffered a deep cut on her head as a result of that attack and was taken to Plumtree District Hospital for treatment. The matter was reported to the police leading to the accused’s arrest.
Online Reporter