Killer pupil jailed for homicide

A FORMER Foundation College pupil who fatally struck a man from Nkulumane suburb in Bulawayo while in the company of other pupils has been jailed five years after he was convicted of culpable homicide.

Zangelozakwethu Thebe (20) struck Vengai Clayton Muza with a brick leading to his death last year. Thebe was arrested with two friends from the same school for the deadly assault but police investigations established he was the one who struck Muza with the fatal blow.

Passing sentence, senior regional magistrate Mr Tranos Utahwashe said:

"He's a youthful first offender who pleaded guilty to culpable homicide. However community service will not be the appropriate sentence. He is therefore sentenced to five years of which one year is suspended for five years on condition of good behaviour."

Mr Robin Mukura, prosecuting, said the incident happened on October 10 last year at around 11PM along Rangemore Road near Mtshane Primary School in Nkulumane suburb.

"Thebe was in the company of two others coming from a graduation party when they came across Muza who was also in the company of two friends. When they crossed paths, the two parties bumped into each other resulting in a fight between Thebe and Muza," said Mr Mukura.

He said during the fight Thebe picked up a brick and struck Muza on the forehead. "He (Muza) fell to the ground in the middle of the tarred road. Thebe fled from the scene and Muza was found dead and his body was taken for post mortem," Mr Mukura said.