Women in fight over beer

Sukulwenkosi Dube Plumtree Correspondent
TWO women were recently involved in a beer brawl resulting in one of them sustaining injuries after being hit with an empty beer bottle.Lydia Ndlovu, 23, appeared before Plumtree magistrate Gideon Ruvetsa for striking Sithembekile Ndiweni, 40, her drinking partner after accusing her of stealing her beer.

The court heard that Ndlovu (pictured) and Ndiweni met at about 9AM a fortnight ago at a bottle store where they had a few beers together.

Ndlovu then bought herself another bottle of beer and left it on the table close to Ndiweni before going to the toilet.

On her return, she discovered that the beer was missing, the court heard.

She confronted her drinking partner who denied having taken it.

Ndlovu was, however, not convinced and a misunderstanding arose leading to the pair exchanging harsh words.

Prosecuting, Medica Tshuma said the two women engaged in a brawl at Ndazi Ndazi Bottle Store in Plumtree on May 20.

Ndlovu hit Ndiweni with an empty beer bottle on the head, inflicting some injuries.

However, Ndiweni insisted before the court that she did not steal Ndlovu’s beer.

“I did not even steal that girl’s beer; she was just beating me up over something I did not do. I tried to explain myself but she would not listen. She kept on telling me that she would teach me a lesson for stealing her beer.

“There were a number of people in the bottle store and there was a lot of congestion. Anyone could have picked up her beer,” she said.
Ruvetsa sentenced Ndlovu to nine months imprisonment of which three months were suspended for five years on condition that she does not commit a similar offence within that period.

The remaining six months were further suspended on condition that she performs 210 hours of community service at Phakamani High School.

Ruvetsa lashed out at Ndlovu for her behaviour.

“You should be ashamed that as young as you are, you behave in such a manner. It is also embarrassing to hear that women were fighting over beer of all things. Such an incident takes away all the dignity that you have, that is if you have any at all,” he said.