Zimpapers Logo

Thubelihle Mabhena Court Reporter
THE four Makokoba teenagers who allegedly fatally stabbed a 17-year-old boy over a cigarette yesterday appeared in court facing murder charges. Floyd Sibanda, 18, Shelton Ndlovu, 18 and Sandile Makalima,18 and a 17-year-old teenager appeared before Bulawayo provincial magistrate Sibongile Msipa. The four accused allegedly stabbed to death Bruce Mashoko, 17.

The quartet were ordered to apply for bail at the High Court and remanded in custody to December 10.

Sibanda looked devastated when Msipa explained to them that she could not hear their bail application.

Msipa said to Sibanda: “You just have to be patient, at least you have lawyers representing all of you.”

“Murder is a very serious offence. Mashoko is dead but you are in one piece so please be patient until your lawyers make a bail application for you at the High Court,” said Msipa.

Sibanda is being represented by Tungamirai Nyengera of Shenje and Partners.

Ndlovu, Makalima and the 17-year-old are being represented by Nonhlanhla Moyo of Gula Ndebele and Partners Incorporating Advocate SKM Sibanda and Partners.

Prosecuting, Dennmore Kasenza told the court that on November 8 at around 11PM at Makokoba the four connived to stab Mashoko.

“They waited for Mashoko at 8th and 9th street knowing that he would use that route from his friend, Brian Mutendahama’s place to his residence,” said Kasenza.

At round 11.30PM Mashoko arrived at the scene with his friend, Bhekinkosi Sibanda, 17.

The court heard that Mlotshwa approached Mashoko and demanded cigarettes. “Mashoko did not respond and this provoked the accused persons,” said Kasenza.

Makalima and Ndlovu grabbed Mashoko while Sibanda took out a knife and stabbed him once on the left side of his chest.

The court heard that when they realised Mashoko was seriously injured the four accused ran away.

A post-mortem revealed that he died as result of the stabbing.

The atmosphere was tense as family members of the accused and the victim, who are neighbours, followed proceedings.