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Vincent Mpofu

Mashudu Netsianda Senior Court Reporter
A BULAWAYO security guard, who fatally struck his workmate with a steel rod in a row over a hoe, has been sentenced to 15 years in jail.
Bulawayo High Court judge, Justice Maxwell Takuva last week convicted Vincent Mpofu, 46, of Steeldale area of murder with constructive intent for killing Enock Manyanga.

Mpofu will, however, serve an effective 12 years in jail after Justice Takuva suspended three years on condition that he does not within that period commit a similar crime.

In his judgment, Justice Takuva concurred with both defence and state counsels that there were no aggravating circumstances that warranted the imposition of a death penalty.

“It’s clear from the evidence led that Mpofu had been bullied by Manyanga such that at one time he (Mpofu) was assaulted by Manyanga until he lost consciousness,” said Justice Takuva.

The judge, however, said the courts had a duty to protect the sanctity of human life.

“Murder is a serious crime and the courts have a duty to uphold the sanctity of human life. There was recklessness on Mpofu’s part when he used a lethal weapon to attack Manyanga aiming at a vulnerable part of the body. The sentence was going to be much longer had it not been for the conduct of Manyanga and accordingly you are sentenced to an effective 12 years in jail,” ruled Justice Takuva.

Prosecuting, Angeline Munyeriwa said on November 23 last year, shortly after 8PM, Mpofu and Manyanga, had a misunderstanding over a hoe, which the security guard had borrowed from a co-worker, Martin Ncube.

Mpofu, Ncube and Manyanga were employed as security guards at Timberland Windows and Doors and lived on the company premises at Steeldale industrial area.

“On November 23 last year, Mpofu came to the guardroom within the company premises during which he had a misunderstanding with Manyanga. Mpofu confronted Manyanga accusing him of delaying in returning the hoe so that he could weed his field,” said Munyeriwa.

The court heard that Ncube intervened and restrained his two workmates and Manyanga left the guardroom.

However, later on Manyanga went back to the guardroom and tried to force his way into the room but Mpofu, who was inside, blocked him.

The two men started arguing and Manyanga punched Mpofu who retaliated.

“Mpofu armed himself with a steel rod and struck Manyanga on the back of his head and he fell down. Mpofu continued assaulting the victim as he lay helplessly on the ground until he died,” said Munyeriwa.

Ncube managed to disarm Mpofu and reported the matter to the police.

In mitigation through his lawyer, Simba Mawere, Mpofu pleaded for leniency, saying he was a breadwinner looking after his eight children.

Mawere said his client showed remorse by rendering assistance in the burial of Manyanga.

“Mpofu has lived an unblemished life until this incident and he is a first time offender who showed remorse by contributing financially towards the burial of Manyanga,” said Mawere.