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Mr Baron Dube

Sukulwenkosi Dube-Matutu, Gwanda Correspondent
AN Esigodini-based gold baron who allegedly shot and injured two men who were drinking at his bar, has appeared in court facing attempted murder charges.

Baron Dube of Habane suburb, pleaded not guilty before Gwanda regional magistrate, Mr Mark Dzira on Wednesday. Dube who was remanded to December 21 on $50 bail, said he only fired warning shots when the complainants threatened to attack him.

Prosecuting, Mr Mncedisi Dube said Dube shot Mr Nyasha Nkiwane on the thigh and shoulder and Mr Thulani Ndebele on the thigh with a revolver on August 30 this year at around 8PM.

“Mr Nkiwane and Mr Ndebele were drinking beer at Dube’s Sharks Sports Bar in Esigodini with their friends. Police arrived and Mr Nkiwane and his friends ran out of the bar. When the police had gone they went back into the bar and Mr Ndebele remained outside smoking.

‘Dube who was in the bar closed the door and pulled out a revolver from his pocket. Mr Nkiwane fled towards the door in a bid to escape and was during the process allegedly shot once on the the left thigh and was grazed by another bullet on the his left shoulder before he managed to escape,’’ said Mr Dube.

He said Mr Ndebele who was still outside heard the sound of gunshots and then saw Dube approaching holding a revolver.

Mr Dube said Mr Ndebele tried to flee but Dube allegedly shot him once on his left thigh. He said Mr Ndebele managed to flee to his home and the matter was reported to the police leading to Dube’s arrest.

In his defence, Dube through his lawyer, Mr Costar Dube of Mcijo Dube and Partners denied shooting anyone on the day in question.

“My client will deny aiming at or firing any bullets towards anyone. The complainants were armed with axes, machetes and spears. They threatened to to attack him which forced him to fire four warning shots through the entrance after closing the screen door.

“None of the shots were aimed at the complainants. At that time the complainants were trying to force entry into his bar to attack him. He had no intention to harm or kill anyone. The complainants were the ones harbouring sinister motives against him on the day in question,” said Mr Dube. — @DubeMatutu.