Teacher faces jail time for midnight assault

A 48-year-old teacher from Tinde High School in Binga, Potter Bongwe Gwinji, appeared before the Hwange Magistrate Court, represented by Ms. Rumbidzai Yolanda Kabasa, and pleaded guilty to charges of assault on Thursday afternoon.

Gwinji, a local teacher residing at Kamini Village in Tinde under Chief Pashu, admitted to assaulting Brian Ncube on December 1 at midnight. The court learned that both the complainant and the accused were at Tinde Business Centre, drinking beer together when the assault occurred.

According to court proceedings, Gwinji repeatedly assaulted Ncube on his head and face using both open hands and clenched fists. Despite Ncube's attempts to understand the reason behind the attack, Gwinji insisted that he was sent by someone to assault him.

The assault continued until Ncube fled the scene. A report was subsequently filed with ZRP Kamativi, leading to investigations and Gwinji's subsequent arrest.

The court sentenced Gwinji to six months in prison, with three months wholly suspended on the usual five-year condition. Additionally, three months were suspended on the condition that the accused pays USD$300 by January 16. Failure to meet this condition will result in imprisonment for three months.