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Mashudu Netsianda, Senior Court Reporter
A MARRIED man from Plumtree who allegedly fatally stabbed his rival with a knife during a fight over a girlfriend appeared in court yesterday.

Sokana Nkomo (57), a father of four residing at Butshe village in Madlambuzi area, allegedly fatally stabbed Gamula Ndlovu (33) for allegedly snatching his girlfriend.

Nkomo appeared before Bulawayo High Court judge Justice Nokuthula Moyo facing a murder charge in connection with the death of Ndlovu.

The incident occurred 18 years ago at Butshe village.

Justice Moyo remanded Nkomo in custody to Monday for judgment.

Prosecuting, Mr Whisper Mabaudhi said on November 26 in 2000, Ndlovu was at Ms Sithandazile Tshuma’s homestead with his nephew Mr Remember Sola when Nkomo joined them.

Both Ndlovu and Nkomo had a love relationship with Ms Tshuma.

“When the accused arrived at Ms Tshuma’s place, the deceased greeted him, but Nkomo remained silent before he left the homestead,” said Mr Mabaudhi.

The court heard that Ndlovu followed Nkomo so that they could engage each other over the issue. When Ndlovu caught up with Nkomo an altercation ensued between the two rivals.

They allegedly exchanged harsh words with the accused person accusing the deceased of snatching his girlfriend.

During the dispute, Nkomo pulled out a knife and stabbed Ndlovu once on the chest and left side of the ribs and he collapsed. A report was made to the police leading to the arrest of Nkomo.

Mr Sola, in his testimony, said he heard his uncle and Nkomo insulting each other in high pitched voices from a distance.

He said when he rushed to the scene, Nkomo fled upon noticing him.

“When I got to the scene, Nkomo fled leaving the deceased lying in a pool of blood and he was screaming as he tightly held his chest,” said Mr Sola.

He was assisted by Ms Tshuma to lift Ndlovu from the scene to a nearby homestead.

“We failed to secure a scotch cart to transport Ndlovu to the hospital resulting in him succumbing to the injuries a few hours later,” said Mr Sola.

In his defence through his lawyer, Mr Russell Dzete of Maseko Law Chambers, Nkomo said he was provoked by Ndlovu.

“The deceased shouted at me using obscene language as I left Ms Tshuma’s homestead and I ignored him. He then followed me and started arguing with me during which he pulled a knife and tried to stab me,” he said.

Nkomo said it was not his intention to kill Ndlovu and he acted in self-defence.

“I did not intend to kill the deceased but was merely acting in self-defence. After having realised that I had injured the deceased I went to the police station and reported the matter,” he said. — @mashnets