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MBABANE – A 24-yearold man got more than he had bargained for when he was assaulted by a mob after beating his girlfriend, who allegedly left him for another man on Valentine’s Day.

Valentine’s Day, which is considered a day of love and is commemorated on February 14 of every year. However, Sipho Ngozo of Mncitsini said he was deprived of an opportunity to spend time with his lover on the special day.

Ngozo told the court that his lover requested to go to her parental homestead on the day and never returned to the house, where they stayed together.

He stated that while searching for her, she found her in the company of another man, while with her friends and some other men within the area. At the time, he stated that he had received information to the effect that his lover was in a love relationship with another man.

“I searched for her because I wanted to know why she opted for another love relationship after I had stayed with her for so long in my house. However, I beat her up during the course of the conversation,” he said.

Ngozo stated that the mob reacted by assaulting him. He submitted that he realised that the man, who was said to be in love relationship with his girlfriend, took part in the assault, which he claimed left him injured.

He told the court that he had recently won a painting tender but was unable to do the job due to the severity of his injuries. He pleaded for the court’s leniency, considering that he sustained severe injuries during the heat of the assault.

Ngozo’s injuries were observed