Ancilla Gotore

MIRROR REPORTER

MASVINGO – Former CCC Gutu North district co-ordinator, Pfumo Mangwiro who was initially charged for attempted murder after he bludgeoned a man who was sending messages to his wife had his charge altered to assault and given a wholly suspended sentence.

Masvingo regional magistrate, Bishard Chineka sentenced Mangwiro to 12 months in prison and suspended the whole jail term on condition that the accused does not commit a similar crime in the next five years.

Mangwiro who walked out of court a happy man was represented by Knowledge Mabvure of Chihambakwe Law Chambers.

It is the State case, that Assam Mafushe the complainant went to Mangwiro’s place intending to see the accused’s wife. Mangwiro found Mafushe in his kitchen and asked him what he was doing. The complainant threatened to beat up Mangwiro and that is when the accused severely assaulted the complainant using an axe handle on the knees, hands, shoulders, legs and on the head and had to take him in wheelbarrow back to his place.

Regional Magistrate Chineka said Mangwiro faced serious assault charges that bordered on attempted murder but he considered the fact that there was serious provocation since the complainant did not respect Mangwiro by coming to his matrimonial home.

The Magistrate sternly warned Mangwiro not to commit an offense related to violence within the next five years. He said the courts will not condone violence although he emphasized the importance of protecting the institution of marriage.

Innocent Mudzingwa stood for the State.