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Sukulwenkosi Dube-Matutu, Plumtree Correspondent
VILLAGERS in Bulilima meted out mob justice on a man they had allegedly caught trying to rape a neighbour in the wee hours of the morning.

Thabani Ndlovu (32) of Tokwana area sustained a fractured foot and hand and multiple bruises all over the body after he invaded the homestead of his victim around 3AM on July 17.

He struck her with an axe handle on the head before she called out to her neighbours who came to her rescue.

Plumtree magistrate, Mr Joshua Mawere convicted Ndlovu on his own plea of guilty to assault last week.

He fined Ndlovu $50 or 30 days imprisonment in case of default.

The magistrate ordered Ndlovu to pay the fine by August 30. In passing the sentence Mr Mawere pointed out that he had shown leniency towards Ndlovu after taking his medical condition into consideration.

“You committed a serious offence but I will take into account that you suffered a lot of pain under mob justice. From your condition it shows that you suffered a severe beating and you learnt a lesson.

“However the court doesn’t condone mob justice. In your state you can’t perform community service or serve a custodial sentence and as a result you will pay a fine. I have also taken into consideration that the complainant only suffered minor injuries as a result of your attack,” he said.

Prosecuting, Mr Zorodzai Pengapenga said Ndlovu invaded his victim’s home on July 17.

“She was asleep at her home when Ndlovu arrived, kicked the door several times and ordered her to open it.

“She opened the door upon realising that it was her neighbour, Ndlovu. He struck her with an axe handle three times on the head for an unknown reason,” he said.

Mr Pengapenga said the lady screamed for help and some villagers rushed to her rescue. He said the matter was reported to the police resulting in Ndlovu’s arrest.

Ndlovu who had a plaster on his foot and arm said the mob attacked him with an axe handle, punched and kicked him several times.

@DubeMatutu