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Beitbridge policeman's attempted murder trial delayed
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The attempted murder trial of Ziggie Khonzani, a Beitbridge police officer, failed to take off yesterday after the accused fell ill, prompting the court to reschedule the proceedings to May 14, 2025.
Khonzani, who is accused of violently striking a till operator with a beer bottle, was unable to stand for the trial, slumping in the dock and placing his face in his arms to exhibit signs of illness. The regional magistrate, Charity Maphosa, adjourned the matter, allowing the trial to be postponed.
Khonzani is facing a charge of attempted murder after an alleged altercation with Valentine Venge, a butchery till operator. The incident reportedly occurred when Khonzani attempted to buy goods worth US$3 and was informed by Venge that he could not provide change for the US$20 note Khonzani had used.
Venge offered to increase the bill to US$5 and later to US$10 to accommodate the lack of change, but Khonzani, according to the allegations, became enraged and struck Venge in the head with a beer bottle. The violent assault left Venge with severe injuries to his ear and lower jaw, necessitating medical attention at Beitbridge District Hospital.
Despite the accusations, Khonzani denies the charge, with his legal representative, Matthew Mapepa of Masawi and Associates, maintaining that he acted in self-defense.
Tsitsi Mutukwa, the prosecutor, is handling the case, and Magistrate Maphosa has set the trial date for next week. The case has drawn attention in Beitbridge, with local residents keen to see how the matter unfolds in court.
The adjournment has left many questioning the state of Khonzani's health and whether it will affect the timely progress of the case. The Beitbridge community continues to follow the developments closely as the accused awaits his next court appearance.
Khonzani, who is accused of violently striking a till operator with a beer bottle, was unable to stand for the trial, slumping in the dock and placing his face in his arms to exhibit signs of illness. The regional magistrate, Charity Maphosa, adjourned the matter, allowing the trial to be postponed.
Khonzani is facing a charge of attempted murder after an alleged altercation with Valentine Venge, a butchery till operator. The incident reportedly occurred when Khonzani attempted to buy goods worth US$3 and was informed by Venge that he could not provide change for the US$20 note Khonzani had used.
Venge offered to increase the bill to US$5 and later to US$10 to accommodate the lack of change, but Khonzani, according to the allegations, became enraged and struck Venge in the head with a beer bottle. The violent assault left Venge with severe injuries to his ear and lower jaw, necessitating medical attention at Beitbridge District Hospital.
Despite the accusations, Khonzani denies the charge, with his legal representative, Matthew Mapepa of Masawi and Associates, maintaining that he acted in self-defense.
Tsitsi Mutukwa, the prosecutor, is handling the case, and Magistrate Maphosa has set the trial date for next week. The case has drawn attention in Beitbridge, with local residents keen to see how the matter unfolds in court.
The adjournment has left many questioning the state of Khonzani's health and whether it will affect the timely progress of the case. The Beitbridge community continues to follow the developments closely as the accused awaits his next court appearance.
Source - newsday
