Online Reporter
Moreblessing Ncube
A simple village complaint about naughty donkeys turned into a full-blown assault drama that has left one man injured and another facing the law.
A 26-year-old man from Insuza, Handsome Mahlangu, appeared before Bulawayo Magistrate Barbara Phiri after he allegedly attacked his neighbour during a heated dispute over stray donkeys and a damaged maize field.
The court heard that trouble began on the evening of March 26 around 8PM when Mahlangu’s donkeys reportedly wandered into Mthokozisi Ncube’s maize field and feasted like VIP guests at a buffet. Not impressed, Ncube decided to “arrest” the animals and penned them at his homestead, waiting for their owner to come and answer for the green destruction.
When no one came knocking, he released the donkeys the following morning around 8AM, probably hoping the message had been received loud and clear. However, the real drama was just warming up. Later that day, around 6PM, Ncube confronted Mahlangu and informed him about the damage, even suggesting he take pictures of the ruined crops to show his parents.
Instead of apologising, Mahlangu allegedly went haywire. He argued that his donkeys had every right to graze in the field, claiming Ncube had previously used them for ploughing without permission. Mahlangu grabbed a knob-kerrie and struck Ncube twice, once on the forehead and once on the leg.
The attack left Ncube with a swollen head and a broken leg, forcing him to seek treatment at St Luke’s Hospital. A medical report confirming the injuries was later presented in court.
The matter was reported to police, leading to Mahlangu’s arrest.
