By A Correspondent
In a shocking incident, Kholwani Ndlovu, a 38-year-old man from Kezi in Matabeleland South Province, has been sentenced to 350 hours of community service for severely attacking his neighbor, Polani Ngwenya, over stolen biltong.
Ndlovu pleaded not guilty to the assault charge but was convicted after trial. He was initially sentenced to 15 months imprisonment, with five months suspended on condition that he doesn’t commit any offense involving violence or force on a person. The remaining 10 months were suspended on condition that he performs community service at Kezi Magistrates’ Courts.
The court heard that Ndlovu confronted Ngwenya at his homestead on November 3 last year, accusing him of stealing biltong from a neighbor’s home. An argument ensued, and Ndlovu became furious, attacking Ngwenya with fists and stones. Ngwenya attempted to flee but was pursued and caught by Ndlovu, who inflicted further blows. Community members eventually restrained Ndlovu.
In a victim impact statement, Ngwenya expressed his trauma and financial loss due to the incident, requesting reimbursement for his medical bills. The magistrate emphasized that courts do not tolerate individuals who resort to violence to resolve disputes, advising people to engage pastors, police, or courts instead. The sentence aims to send a strong message to potential offenders, given the prevalence of assault cases in the area.