Cephas Shava
MWENEZI – Being a Good Samaritan proved costly for 39-year old Muponesi Manyengeni who loaned his friend some money only for the friend to later turn against him, slicing his left hand with a machete after Manyengeni demanded repayment.
Appearing before Mwenezi magistrate Honest Musiiwa was Thulani Bhanda (43), of Mbuya Nehanda Village One under Chief Mazetese who pleaded guilty to a charge of assault.
Bhanda was sentenced to 18 months imprisonment, six of which were conditionally suspended. The remaining 12 months were set aside on condition that he performed 420 hours of community service at Chovelele Primary School.
Asked by magistrate Musiiwa why he committed the offence, Bhanda said he was upset that the complainant kept on pestering him to repay the debt when he had told him he did not have any money.
It was the State’s case that on April 18 at around 17:00 hrs, Manyengeni visited Bhanda at his homestead and demanded the money he was owed.
This did not go down well with Bhanda who took a machete and struck Manyengeni once on his left hand, saying he will never pay back the money.
Manyengeni fled the scene after sustaining some injuries. He was taken to hospital where he was treated. A medical report was produced as exhibit in court. Manyengeni later on filed a police report leading to Bhanda’s arrest.
Willard Chasi prosecuted.crime
