A young man from the village of Windmil in Umguza, Zimbabwe is facing serious legal consequences after a violent act left a fellow community member badly injured. 29-year-old Conelias Ndebele recently received an 18-month prison sentence for attempted murder.
The trial was held at the Bulawayo Regional Court before Magistrate Vivian Ndlovu. On the night of July 17th, according to prosecutor Constance Mhlanga, Ndebele and Zwelinkosi Nyathi had been walking home together from a local bottle store called Nkosibususe. Their path took them past Asleby Farm.
As the two men passed through the farm’s main entrance gate, an undisclosed dispute suddenly erupted between them. It was then, Ms. Mhlanga explained, that Ndebele attacked Nyathi savagely with a machete, striking him on the forehead, nose, and hand. Ndebele fled immediately, leaving Nyathi bleeding on the ground.
Thankfully, others came upon Nyathi and were able to get him medical attention at the hospital. After reviewing the case details, Magistrate Ndlovu ruled that Ndebele’s brutal assault qualified as attempted murder under the country’s laws. Taking into account the violence of the crime and severity of Nyathi’s injuries, Ndlovu sentenced Ndebele to 18 months in prison.
The sentencing serves as a reminder that violent outbursts can have serious legal repercussions. It also shows that the village of Windmil and neighbourhoods like it will not tolerate such reckless danger to human life.
