Tsholotsho neighbours fight over woman

A 26-year-old man from Luhonjana Line in Sipepa, Tsholotsho, has been denied bail after being charged with attempted murder for allegedly attacking a fellow villager over an affair with his wife. Nicholas Tshuma appeared before Bulawayo regional magistrate Joseph Mabeza last Thursday for a bail application, but was remanded in custody until December 19, 2024.

Magistrate Mabeza dismissed Tshuma's bail request, citing his resistance to arrest and the serious nature of the charges he faces, which could lead to a lengthy prison sentence. This, Mabeza indicated, presented a high flight risk, making Tshuma a potential candidate for evading trial.

The State, represented by Bulawayo regional prosecutor Dominic Moyo, opposed Tshuma's bail application, arguing that he was not a suitable candidate for release. Moyo highlighted that Tshuma had several relatives in South Africa, raising concerns that he might flee to the neighboring country if granted bail.

Additionally, Moyo raised fears that Tshuma could interfere with the investigation and potentially unite with two other suspects, Dominic Tshuma and Mandla Tshuma, who are still at large. He warned that this could lead to further violence against the victim, Foster Ncube, or the complainants involved in the case.

According to the State's case, on October 10, 2024, Tshuma allegedly attacked Ncube, 29, in a fit of rage. Tshuma struck Ncube once on the right side of the head with an axe, causing the victim to collapse. As Ncube lay on the ground, Tshuma allegedly struck him again on the right cheek with the back of the axe, knocking out one of his teeth.

A report was made to the police, leading to Tshuma's arrest. He now faces serious charges related to the brutal assault on his fellow villager, which authorities are continuing to investigate.