Miner escape jail as businesswoman withdraws attacks over gossip charges

A self employed miner at Charemount in Fort Rixon who attacked a business woman with a burning log after accusing her of gossiping about him with his wife has escaped a prosecution after his victim withdraw the case before the court.

Nkosinathi Maphosa (36) was not asked to plead to the charge of assault though he had already apologised to his victim a businesswoman Sibonginkosi Dube (42) who then asked the court to release him on the grounds that he showed contrition and apologized to her.

The Bulawayo magistrate Merilyn Mutshina withdrew the case before plea and freed Maphosa.

The court heard that On February 24, 2015 at 11am Maphosa approached Dube who was at her work place at Claremount Mine in Fort Rixon and a misunderstanding ensued between the two after Maphosa accused Dube of gossiping about him to his wife.

During the quarrel Maphosa picked a burning log from the fire place and attacked her with it several times over the head once on the left shoulder and several times on both hands as Dube was trying to defend herself. Some fragments of the burning log splashed over her body resulting to some injuries on the body.

Dube collapsed and was helped by other to go to Filabusi hospital for treatment. She suffered injuries on the head and shoulder.

A report made to the police led to Maphosa's arrest.