Man loses ear over spitting on food

A HWANGE man lost his right ear after he was struck with an unknown object on allegations of spitting on other people's food in a bar.

This was heard when Godfrey Mathe (33) of Chibondo Village appeared before regional magistrate Portia Mhlanga facing charges of assaulting Thulani Mwinde.

Mathe denied cutting Mwinde's ear, but admitted exchanging fists with the complainant.

"I was in the kitchen at a bar when Mwinde came in naked, demanding that he gets sadza first. He was told that there were other people's meals. That is the time when he started shouting and spitting on food meant to be served. I then intervened and we wrestled, but I do not remember hitting or cutting his ear," Mathe said.

According to the prosecutor, on June 12 last year and at around midnight, Mwinde was drinking beer at KoMpofu Bar when he decided to go and buy food.

While he was waiting for his order, Mathe approached from behind and pushed him to the ground before taking a sharp object and cutting off his right ear.

Mathe, after realising what he had done, fled from the scene and the matter was reported to the police while Mwinde sought medical help.

Mathe is on free bail and is expected to hear his fate today.