ZIMSPHERE
GOKWE – In a tragic incident that unfolded in Silobela, a 40-year-old man from Mazibeka Village has been sentenced to eight years in prison after being convicted of culpable homicide. The High Court, sitting in Gokwe, heard that the accused, Blessing Maphosa, fatally attacked a neighbour who intervened to stop him from assaulting his girlfriend.
The incident occurred on December 25, 2022, around 6:00 PM.
Maphosa, who was reportedly intoxicated at the time, was at his girlfriend's residence when he became violent and started physically assaulting her.
Fearing for her safety, the girlfriend fled to a nearby homestead seeking refuge.
However, Maphosa pursued her and continued the assault, hitting her with clenched fists. The neighbours attempted to intervene and restrain Maphosa, allowing the girlfriend to escape to the homestead of the now-deceased neighbour, a 47-year-old man at the time.
When Maphosa arrived at the neighbour’s home, the deceased advised him to stop his violent behavior. Ignoring the warning, Maphosa picked up a log and struck the neighbour multiple times on the head.
The blows rendered the man unconscious and left him bleeding severely from his head.
After the assault, Maphosa fled the scene. The injured neighbor was rushed to the hospital, but despite medical efforts, he succumbed to his injuries.
A police report was filed, leading to Maphosa’s arrest.
During the trial, Maphosa was found guilty of culpable homicide. The court sentenced him to 10 years in prison, with two years suspended on condition of good behavior, effectively leaving him to serve eight years behind bars.
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