Stones rain on imbiber who spilt beer

Danisa Masuku

A man who angrily accused another imbiber of spilling his beer and pelted him with stones has been sentenced to 24 months in prison.

Onesimo Ndlovu (41) of Mashumba Village, Maphisa in Matabeleland South province appeared before Kezi resident magistrate Busani Sibanda facing an assault charge.

He pleaded guilty to the charge.

The magistrate sentenced him to 24 months imprisonment of which 15 months were suspended for five years on condition that he does not commit an offence involving use of force or violence on a person for which upon conviction he will be sentenced to imprisonment without an option of a fine.

Sentencing Ndlovu, the magistrate considered his guilty plea and first-time offender status.

The court also took into consideration Ndlovu’s remorse by noting that he had compensated Nkosiyavuma Tshuma (41) with R1 500.

The court noted with concern that assault cases were prevalent in the area and the need for a deterrent sentence.

The prosecutor stated that the accused attacked Tshuma with stones, causing him serious injuries.

Tshuma targeted his victim’s head and face, leaving him with a headache.

Circumstances are that sometime in July but on a date not known by the prosecutor, Ndlovu and Tshuma were drinking together when Tshuma stood up to relieve himself. Unfortunately, he tripped on Ndlovu’s beer.

That did not go down well with Ndlovu who angrily accused him of deliberately spilling his beer before ordering him to buy another one.

Tshuma refused, saying he had no money. This angered Ndlovu, who went berserk and pelted Tshuma with stones.

He hit him on the head and forehead. The injured Tshuma was rushed to hospital and the matter was reported to the police leading to the arrest of Ndlovu.