In the village of Mapulula 2 in Plumtree, Matabeleland South Province, a horrifying incident unfolded when a 16-year-old boy was arrested for allegedly causing the death of another teenager with a single punch. As the details of the case emerged, it sparked concerns about the escalating rate of similar tragedies among young people, prompting calls for collaborative efforts from stakeholders.
During the court proceedings before Plumtree resident magistrate Joshua Nembaware, the gravity of the situation became evident. Magistrate Nembaware expressed deep concern about the increasing frequency of such incidents involving young individuals and stressed the urgent need for parents, religious leaders, and community members to come together and address this troubling trend.
The accused teenager, whose identity cannot be disclosed due to legal reasons, appeared in court but was not asked to enter a plea. He was subsequently remanded out of custody until 17 June while the investigation continues.
According to the available information, the tragic incident occurred on 1 October of the previous year, around 1 am. The victim, accompanied by Blessing Moyo, was walking home from Mqegula Business Centre when they encountered the accused, who was walking in the same direction. An argument erupted between the accused and the victim, leading to a physical confrontation.
Reportedly, the accused struck the victim once in the left jaw with a fist, followed by a head-butt to the forehead. The force of the assault caused the victim to fall unconscious, hitting his head on the tarred road. Shockingly, the accused left the victim lying unconscious on the road and returned home.
Around 3 am, a passer-by noticed the unconscious victim and, assuming he was intoxicated, lifted him off the road. Later that morning, two security guards returning home from Mqegula Business Centre discovered the victim still unconscious by the roadside. They immediately informed the victim’s family, who rushed to the scene and arranged for transportation to Izimnyama Clinic. Due to the severity of his condition, he was referred to Plumtree District Hospital and subsequently transferred to Mpilo Hospital in Bulawayo. Tragically, the victim passed away on 7 October.
Following the incident, the police conducted an investigation that led to the arrest of the accused teenager, who now faces murder charges. The case was presented by Prosecutor Selestine Madziwa on behalf of the State.
