Man jailed for axing fight stopper

A BULAWAYO man has been slapped with a four year jail sentence for axing his friend who attempted to stop him from fighting during a beer binge.

Mkhululi Ndlovu (23) from Sunninghill suburb pleaded guilty to attempted murder charges before regional magistrate Mr Chrispen Mberewere on Tuesday, saying he was drunk.

“I am married with two children Your Worship. I erred and may the court be lenient as I committed the offence under the influence of alcohol,” he said in mitigation.

Mr Mberewere said although Ndlovu had pleaded guilty, only a custodial sentence would meet the justice of the matter.

“In coming up with sentence, the court considered the mitigatory elements of the case. The accused is a youthful first offender but attempted murder cases are on the increase,” said Mr Mberewere.

“He is therefore sentenced to an effective four years imprisonment.”

Prosecuting Mr Simbarashe Manyiwa said on August 30, Ndlovu was drinking beer with his friends when he ended up being involved in a fight.

“A misunderstanding arose between Ndlovu and one man and they ended up fighting. Phinias Moyo tried to restrain Ndlovu who was armed with an axe and in turn Ndlovu struck him once on the head,” said Mr Manyiwa.

The court heard that other people restrained Ndlovu from further injuring Moyo and made a police report leading to his arrest.— @thamamoe.