Stabbed, robbed of US$3 200, victim fails to identify attackers in dark night ordeal

Danisa Masuku, [email protected]

A man who was allegedly stabbed three times and robbed of US$3 200 while walking home with a woman has told the court that he was unable to identify his attackers because the incident occurred at night.

The complainant, Mr Mqondisi Tshuma, suffered two deep stab wounds to the stomach, causing his intestines to protrude, as well as another wound to the back of his head during the alleged attack.

The details emerged during the trial of Ayanda Ndebele (27), Alec Chayambuka (25) and Justice Chayambuka (28), who appeared before Bulawayo regional magistrate Ms Patience Ururu on Thursday.

The three are being represented by Mr Simbarashe Innocent Madzivire of Mashayamombe Law Firm.

During cross-examination, Mr Madzivire questioned Mr Tshuma, who testified while seated because he has not fully recovered from his injuries and is unable to stand for extended periods, about whether he knew any of the accused persons.

“I could not identify any of them because it was dark. They came from behind and stabbed me while I was in the company of a lady,” Mr Tshuma said.

Mr Madzivire further asked whether police had conducted an identification parade. Mr Tshuma said no identification parade had taken place because he was in severe pain following the attack.

The defence lawyer also questioned why members of the public had not come to his assistance during the incident.

“Most people are afraid to intervene when a person is being attacked because they fear that the attackers will turn against them,” Mr Tshuma said.

Mr Madzivire then challenged Mr Tshuma over why he was allegedly carrying US$3 200 at a drinking spot and suggested that he had hired the services of a sex worker.

Mr Tshuma denied the allegation.

“I was in her company and heading to the bus terminus to board a kombi. I know her. She is always at the drinking spot, but I had not hired her,” he said.

The matter was remanded to September 3 for continuation of the trial.

Prosecutor Ms Concilia Ncube told the court that the incident occurred on July 17 at about 9pm near the corner of 8th Avenue and Lobengula Street in Bulawayo.

According to the State, Mr Tshuma was walking home from a local nightspot in the company of an unidentified woman when the accused allegedly confronted him and attacked him with a knife.

“They stabbed him twice in the stomach and once at the back of the head before forcibly taking his black sling bag. The bag contained US$3 200 cash, the complainant’s national identity card and a birth certificate,” said Ms Ncube.

The court heard that the accused allegedly fled towards Ross Camp after the attack.

As a result of the assault, Mr Tshuma sustained two severe stab wounds to the stomach, causing his intestines to protrude, as well as a cut to the back of his head. He was transported by ambulance to Mpilo Central Hospital, where he was admitted for five days before being discharged.

The State’s case is also supported by the testimony of a street vendor who allegedly witnessed the incident. Giving evidence, Ms Sihle Zikhali told the court that she was at her vending stall near the entrance of a local hotel when she noticed the accused standing a short distance away.

She said Mr Tshuma had purchased items from her earlier that evening.

“I recall that on 17 July this year, at around 8pm, I was at my vending stall at the gate of a local hotel when I observed the accused persons standing a few metres from where I was selling my products. The complainant also bought items from me on the day in question,” she said.

Ms Zikhali said she later saw Mr Tshuma leaving the bar with a woman whom she recognised as a regular patron, although she did not know her name.

“The complainant was in the company of a woman whom I don’t know by name but who is also a regular patron at the bar. They were walking towards 6th Avenue. I then observed the accused persons following behind the complainant.”

The witness told the court that one of the accused allegedly moved between Mr Tshuma and the woman, leading to a confrontation. She said another accused then joined the altercation before the group ran along 8th Avenue towards Ross Camp.

The court also heard that Mr Tshuma’s national identity card and birth certificate were allegedly stolen during the incident.