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MBABANE – A 30-yearold man of Kwaluseni in Matsapha was saved by his friend and the quick arrival of the police after stabbing a woman of the area.

Bhekisisa Omari Tsabedze was saved by his friend Sifiso Ndlovu, when an angry mob bayed for his blood, shortly after he had stabbed Phumzile Zwane with an okapi knife at the nomination centre at Kwaluseni.

Tsabedze was subsequently arrested and charged with attempted murder after the incident. Testifying against Tsabedze during the commencement of trial yesterday, Ndlovu told the court that he came to his friend’s rescue after he saw a mob chasing after him. At the time, he stated that he did not know what had happened.

“I found him leaning against a car scaring the mob with an okapi knife. I grabbed the knife and shielded him. Police officers emerged from the mob and grabbed us. They then bundled us into the police van and transported us to Sigodvweni Police Station, where I was later released,” Ndlovu submitted.

Trouble

He also told the court that he was later informed that the trouble began after Zwane had slapped Tsabedze in the face in full view of the public. He stated that on the day, there were too many people who had come for nominations at Kwaluseni Constituency.

However, during cross-examination, Tsabedze accused his friend of fabricating the story against him. He claimed that Ndlovu testified to please the police officers.

“Do you recall that a police officer identified you as the man who stole an iron rod from a resident of the area? Would I be lying to say you are testifying to return a favour to the police officer because he did not charge you? Am I lying that the police officer threatened to revive the charges should you refuse to testify?” he submitted.

Tsabedze’s line of questioning prompted Acting Judge Fikile Nhlabatsi to ask if he recalled that he pleaded guilty to the charge.

In response, Ndlovu told the court that there was no way he could have fabricated a story against his friend whom he saved from the mob. He stated that he took the risk because Tsabedze was his friend.

Recall

“Do you recall what the police officer did to me when we arrived at the police station?” Tsabedze asked Ndlovu.

“I did not see what happened except that I heard you screaming after we were separated,” responded Ndlovu.

On the other hand, Zwane admitted that she slapped Tsabedze prior to the stabbing. She told the court that she was retaliating after Tsabedze had tried to slap her while she was held by one of his friends. She denied having provoked Tsabedze on the day in question.

This came after Tsabedze had put to her during cross-examination that she provoked him. He claimed that the trouble began shortly after Zwane had accused him of obstructing her with a hand during the nomination process. He claimed that Zwane shouted at him saying; “I have been told that you are pompous.” He claimed that Zwane slapped him immediately after making the utterances in the full view of the public.

The matter continues in court.