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Beer binge ends in bloody attack over debt
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A routine beer session spiralled into a night of horror when a 40-year-old man attacked his drinking companion with an axe over a debt dispute, leaving the victim fighting for his life.
Nkosilathi Ndlovu was sentenced to eight years in prison after being found guilty of attempted murder by Plumtree Magistrate Mark Dzira on 18 June 2025.
The chilling incident occurred on 6 March 2025 at Ndlovu's workplace, where he and Solomon Khaliphe Ncube had been enjoying drinks. What started as lighthearted fun took a dark turn when Ncube reminded Ndlovu about an outstanding debt.
Rather than settling the matter peacefully, Ndlovu reportedly flew into a rage and grabbed an axe, striking Ncube once on the head with devastating force. The victim was knocked unconscious and sustained a serious wound requiring urgent medical care.
During the trial, Prosecutor Fezile Mpofu presented compelling evidence showing Ndlovu's violent and unprovoked assault.
Magistrate Dzira handed down an eight-year sentence, suspending two years on condition that Ndlovu refrains from committing similar violent offenses during the next five years.
The case underscores the grave dangers of mixing alcohol with unresolved conflicts, turning what should have been a convivial beer session into a near-fatal attack.
As the court delivered its judgment, Magistrate Dzira warned: "Violence carries serious consequences, and justice will always prevail."
Nkosilathi Ndlovu was sentenced to eight years in prison after being found guilty of attempted murder by Plumtree Magistrate Mark Dzira on 18 June 2025.
The chilling incident occurred on 6 March 2025 at Ndlovu's workplace, where he and Solomon Khaliphe Ncube had been enjoying drinks. What started as lighthearted fun took a dark turn when Ncube reminded Ndlovu about an outstanding debt.
Rather than settling the matter peacefully, Ndlovu reportedly flew into a rage and grabbed an axe, striking Ncube once on the head with devastating force. The victim was knocked unconscious and sustained a serious wound requiring urgent medical care.
Magistrate Dzira handed down an eight-year sentence, suspending two years on condition that Ndlovu refrains from committing similar violent offenses during the next five years.
The case underscores the grave dangers of mixing alcohol with unresolved conflicts, turning what should have been a convivial beer session into a near-fatal attack.
As the court delivered its judgment, Magistrate Dzira warned: "Violence carries serious consequences, and justice will always prevail."
Source - bmetro
