Man killed while saving son from a gang attack

A FORT Rixon man trying to save his son from a gang attack ended up being killed on New Year's Day.

His teenage son witnessed his assault.

Michael Mlotshwa, 26, allegedly picked up a log and struck Naison Moyo once on the head. Moyo died on his way to hospital.

Mlotshwa was part of a gang of mainly teenage boys who had an undisclosed misunderstanding with Moyo's son. He appeared before Bulawayo magistrate Sheunesu Matova facing murder charges.

The suspect was remanded in custody to January 20.

He was not asked to plead and Matova advised him to apply for bail at the High Court.

Nkathazo Dlodlo for the State alleges that on January 1 at around 2PM, Moyo's son was involved in a fight with unnamed teenagers who were with Mlotshwa.

"When Moyo saw that his son risked being injured as a result of the misunderstanding, he tried to intervene. Mlotshwa picked up a log and struck Moyo once on the head," said Dlodlo.

The court heard that Moyo died on his way to Zvishavane District Hospital.

"Mlotshwa tried escaping but was apprehended and found in possession of the alleged murder weapon," he said.

Dlodlo told the court the State was opposed to Mlotshwa's bail as he was also facing assault charges.