Man strikes grandfather with a hoe over witchcraft allegations

Mashudu Mambo

A 24-YEAR-OLD man from Umguza in Matabeleland North province assaulted his grandfather with a hoe on the head over witchcraft accusations.

This was after the man Deligence Sibanda consulted a traditional healer who told him that his grandfather Philemon Sibanda was bewitching him.

For the offence Diligence appeared before Bulawayo magistrate Musaiona Shortgame facing a charge of physical abuse.

He pleaded guilty to the charge.

He was sentenced to 10 months imprisonment and five months of the sentence were suspended for five years on the condition of good behaviour.

The remaining five months were further suspended on condition that he completes 175 hours of community service.

Asked why he committed the offence Diligence said he got angry after he consulted a traditional healer who told him that his grandfather was bewitching him.

The court heard that on 30 March, Diligence and his grandfather Philemon were at a family meeting when they had a misunderstanding after the former accused the latter of bewitching him.

At the height of the misunderstanding, an incensed Diligence took a hoe which he used to strike his grandfather with it on the head.

After the attack the grandfather sustained a deep wound on the head.

The matter was reported to the police leading to his arrest and his grandfather was taken to the hospital for medical attention.