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Pervert uncle jumps from 3rd Floor in wild suicide bid
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In a jaw-dropping courtroom spectacle, a 38-year-old man convicted of attempted rape shocked onlookers at the Bulawayo Magistrates' Court on Thursday by hurling himself from the third floor in a desperate - and failed - suicide attempt.
Monwabisi Mhilwane, sentenced to 15 years in prison for attempting to rape his 19-year-old cousin, had just been handed the judgment by Regional Magistrate Sibonginkosi Mnkandla when he broke free from prison officers and leapt over the courthouse balcony.
But justice - and gravity - had other plans. Mhilwane crash-landed onto the first floor below in a crumpled, bloodied heap, sending court officials and members of the public into a frenzy of shock and confusion.
"He just bolted, climbed the railing, and threw himself off like something out of a movie," said a stunned court official who witnessed the dramatic moment.
Paramedics were quickly called to the scene, and Mhilwane was taken to United Bulawayo Hospitals (UBH) under heavy police guard. He suffered serious injuries but is expected to survive - and serve his full sentence once medically cleared.
State prosecutor Jethro Mada detailed Mhilwane's disturbing pattern of sexual harassment and abuse against his cousin at their rural home in Lortondale Village, Inyathi.
The court heard how, starting in February, Mhilwane began making unwanted sexual advances toward the teen, including following her into her bedroom and later assaulting her in the bush when she rejected his demands.
On March 30, he groped her breasts and attempted to undress her before she screamed for help, prompting a cousin to intervene. On April 30, he escalated his aggression, trailing her into the bush and pelting her with stones after she refused his sexual propositions.
Despite denying all charges, Mhilwane was convicted after what the court described as "overwhelming and damning" evidence.
In her ruling, Magistrate Mnkandla lambasted Mhilwane for abusing his position of trust and inflicting emotional trauma on a young relative who looked up to him.
"The complainant was young and defenceless. The accused showed no remorse. His actions were calculated, persistent, and completely unacceptable," said Mnkandla.
His 15-year sentence was met with nods of approval from courtroom attendees - moments before he turned the courtroom into a scene of chaos with his suicidal stunt.
With his injuries deemed serious but not life-threatening, Mhilwane now lies shackled to a hospital bed, watched around the clock by police officers.
His plunge from the courthouse may have momentarily halted proceedings, but it only added to his disgrace.
"He tried to escape the consequences, but he's only made things worse for himself," said a relative of the victim.
The case has drawn widespread condemnation, with women's rights groups urging for greater protection and support for sexual abuse survivors - especially within families.
As for Mhilwane, once recovered, he will begin serving his sentence behind bars - a painful fall from freedom, in more ways than one.
Monwabisi Mhilwane, sentenced to 15 years in prison for attempting to rape his 19-year-old cousin, had just been handed the judgment by Regional Magistrate Sibonginkosi Mnkandla when he broke free from prison officers and leapt over the courthouse balcony.
But justice - and gravity - had other plans. Mhilwane crash-landed onto the first floor below in a crumpled, bloodied heap, sending court officials and members of the public into a frenzy of shock and confusion.
"He just bolted, climbed the railing, and threw himself off like something out of a movie," said a stunned court official who witnessed the dramatic moment.
Paramedics were quickly called to the scene, and Mhilwane was taken to United Bulawayo Hospitals (UBH) under heavy police guard. He suffered serious injuries but is expected to survive - and serve his full sentence once medically cleared.
State prosecutor Jethro Mada detailed Mhilwane's disturbing pattern of sexual harassment and abuse against his cousin at their rural home in Lortondale Village, Inyathi.
The court heard how, starting in February, Mhilwane began making unwanted sexual advances toward the teen, including following her into her bedroom and later assaulting her in the bush when she rejected his demands.
On March 30, he groped her breasts and attempted to undress her before she screamed for help, prompting a cousin to intervene. On April 30, he escalated his aggression, trailing her into the bush and pelting her with stones after she refused his sexual propositions.
Despite denying all charges, Mhilwane was convicted after what the court described as "overwhelming and damning" evidence.
In her ruling, Magistrate Mnkandla lambasted Mhilwane for abusing his position of trust and inflicting emotional trauma on a young relative who looked up to him.
"The complainant was young and defenceless. The accused showed no remorse. His actions were calculated, persistent, and completely unacceptable," said Mnkandla.
His 15-year sentence was met with nods of approval from courtroom attendees - moments before he turned the courtroom into a scene of chaos with his suicidal stunt.
With his injuries deemed serious but not life-threatening, Mhilwane now lies shackled to a hospital bed, watched around the clock by police officers.
His plunge from the courthouse may have momentarily halted proceedings, but it only added to his disgrace.
"He tried to escape the consequences, but he's only made things worse for himself," said a relative of the victim.
The case has drawn widespread condemnation, with women's rights groups urging for greater protection and support for sexual abuse survivors - especially within families.
As for Mhilwane, once recovered, he will begin serving his sentence behind bars - a painful fall from freedom, in more ways than one.
Source - bmetro
