Teen murders employer

A 17-YEAR-OLD juvenile from Lupane District who bludgeoned his employer to death with a spade following a dispute over pay heaved a sigh of relief on Wednesday when he was spared jail.

The juvenile (name withheld) who was employed as a herdboy, had a misunderstanding with his employer, Ms Memory Ncube whom he later struck three times on the forehead with a spade resulting in her death. Sitting on circuit at Hwange magistrates court last week, Bulawayo High Court Judge, Justice Nokuthula Moyo said the court had taken into account special circumstances such as his age and the element of provocation before committing him to a rehabilitation facility for two years.

The juvenile who offered a limited plea of culpable homicide through his pro deo lawyer, Ms Joylyn Change of Muvhiringi and Associates said he acted in self-defence following a dispute over delays in paying him his

dues.

“On the fateful day accused had requested for his wage from the deceased after going for two months without being paid.

“The deceased then gave accused her cellphone to purchase his items from the shops using her EcoCash. Accused returned later and found deceased angry about his delay before a misunderstanding ensued.

“The deceased went on to attack the accused with a log which then led the accused to pick up a spade and assault the deceased twice on the head,” Ms Change told the court.

According to the State led by Mrs Martha Cheda on 14 March 2019 the juvenile and his employer had a misunderstanding over why he had come home late.

The juvenile struck Ms Ncube three times on the forehead, once on the buttocks and right leg with a spade before fleeing the scene.

The court heard that Ms Ncube was later found in her yard by neighbours, half naked and bleeding profusely from the injuries sustained.

She was taken to a clinic before being transferred to St Luke’s Hospital where she died on the way.

The juvenile was later arrested by police who were investigating the murder after he fell asleep 30 metres away from the crime scene.

According to the post-mortem report Ms Ncube sustained a fractured skull and subdural haemorrhage.