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Tanaka Mrewa, Court Reporter
A MAN from New Magwegwe suburb in Bulawayo lost two teeth after his landlord’s relative pounced on him demanding rentals.

The man had been occupying the house for only two weeks when the relative demanded rent at around 9.30PM and knocked out his two teeth in a brutal assault.

Lawrence Mutero (32) pleaded guilty to assaulting Mr Theophelus Chihoza (37) who appeared in court hobbling on crutches.

His upper lip was swollen, one eye was puffed up and he could not open it.

Mutero told court that he was under the influence of alcohol when he assaulted Mr Chihoza.

“I’m sorry Your Worship, I was drunk when I assaulted Chihoza. It’s just that we had been knocking for a very long time and by the time he opened the door I had lost my temper. I’m sorry,” said Mutero.

Western Commonage Magistrate Mr Stephen Ndhlovu sentenced Mutero to 14 months in jail. He suspended six months for five years on condition of good behaviour. Eight months were commuted to 280 hours of community service at Luveve Police Station.

“What you did is unacceptable especially considering that you had gone to the house at an odd hour on behalf of the landlord. You did not even give the complainant an opportunity to explain himself. This court doesn’t condone such behaviour. However, it shall consider that you are a first offender so will give you a second chance,” said Mr Ndhlovu.

Prosecuting, Mr Keneth Shava told the court that Mutero went to Mr Chihodza’s house on Sunday at 9:30PM.

“The complainant had already retired to bed. He opened the door as the knocking persisted. As he opened the door the accused person pounced on him. He assaulted complainant three times on the mouth shouting that he had not paid his rentals. Complainant lost two teeth during the attack,” said Mr Shava.

—@tannytkay