Nortan Ncube, a resident of Nsuza village in Matabeleland North province, is facing serious legal charges after allegedly as$aulting a passerby over a flashlight dispute.
He appeared before Bulawayo regional magistrate Joseph Mabeza, where he was charged with robbery and attempted murder.
Ncube, who pleaded not guilty, has been remanded in custody, with the trial set to continue on Friday.
During the court proceedings, Ncube maintained his innocence, asserting that he was not present at the scene of the incident, which transpired on April 11, 2024.
He claimed to have returned to his village on April 10 and spent the following day with his mother, emphasizing that their home is located approximately 500 meters from the local tuckshop, where the altercation occurred.
The victim, Thulani Sibanda, disputed Ncube’s defense, asserting that he is positive about recognizing Ncube as his assailant.
Sibanda recounted the events leading up to the attack: while riding with friends on a cart, he stopped to address an issue with a slackened chain connecting the donkey, at which point he used a flashlight.
Ncube, who was nearby, confronted Sibanda, and together with accomplices, launched a violent assault, striking him on the forehead with a log.
Sibanda described hearing Ncube instructing his accomplices to st_b him, but he managed to escape despite the injuries.
Following the incident, Sibanda reported the assault to the authorities, which led to Ncube’s arrest.
He received medical attention for his injuries, and a medical report was presented as evidence in the ongoing trial.
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