Stabbing frenzy in cellphone torch dispute

Mashudu Mambo

A 21-YEAR-OLD man from Nkayi in Matabeleland North province has appeared in court for allegedly stabbing an 18-year-old man with a knife three times on his hand and once on his ribs following a dispute over a phone torch.

Bhekumuzi Sibanda appeared before Bulawayo regional magistrate Collet Ncube facing a charge of attempted murder.

He pleaded not guilty to the charge.

The matter was remanded to 24 March for trial.

Allegations against Sibanda are that on 25 December 2022 in Zhende Village, the victim Kholwani Dlamini was on his way to Nkayi Business Centre when Sibanda flashed him on the face with a phone torch.

This resulted in a misunderstanding between Dlamini and Sibanda.

In a fit of anger Sibanda allegedly drew a knife and stabbed Dlamini three times on his hand and once on his ribs.

The matter was reported to the police leading to the arrest of Sibanda.

According to the medical report the doctor observed five wounds from the victim, and they were said to be moderate and the severe one was on the abdomen.

During trial, Sibanda who had initially pleaded not guilty shocked the court when he said he stabbed Dlamini in self-defence.

“I was walking with a neighbour, an old woman and my phone torch was on since it was dark.

“When I met Dlamini I flashed him in the face and that is when a misunderstanding started.

“Dlamini drew a knife and stabbed me on my knee, and I then snatched the knife from him as we were both intoxicated and l only realised that l had stabbed him when he started bleeding,” said Sibanda.