The courtroom buzzed with a mixture of disbelief and hushed whispers as the verdict was read: Delight Mandebvu, the Zanu PF Masvingo provincial youth chairman and seemingly invincible “Kung-Fu” grandmaster, was found guilty of assault and sentenced to two years behind bars.
The incident that landed Mandebvu in the dock unfolded on a dark night in March this year, along the winding Masvingo-Bikita road. Collen Maboke, a former Masvingo Mayor and lawyer, was driving with his wife Tariro and relative Simbarashe Matyei when their vehicle sideswiped Mandebvu’s car. What began as a seemingly minor traffic mishap quickly escalated into a a very brutal confrontation, leaving a trail of injuries and a sense of unease in its wake.
Mandebvu, known for his alleged prowess in Kung Fu and his fiery temperament in the Zanu PF youth League, was not one to let the incident go unpunished. After a brief exchange of words, he made a U-turn, pursued Maboke’s vehicle, and blocked it a mere 10km down the road. He then disembarked, accompanied by a group of men, and unleashed a barrage of fists and kicks upon the unsuspecting trio.
Maboke, his wife, and Matyei were left battered and bruised, their injuries a testament to the ferocity of Mandebvu’s attack. Matyei, the unfortunate recipient of a bottle to the face, bore the brunt of Mandebvu’s rage. The incident left a deep sense of fear and apprehension, not only for the victims but for the entire community.
The court, presided over by Magistrate Franklin Mkwananzi, listened intently to the testimony of the victims, their accounts corroborated by medical reports that documented their injuries. Mandebvu’s defense, however, crumbled under scrutiny, his claims of self-defense falling apart in the face of the overwhelming evidence.
The evidence presented by the prosecution, including the medical reports and the consistent testimony of the victims, left no room for doubt. The court found that the accused’s defense was riddled with inconsistencies and lacked credibility.
“The accused’s actions were clearly premeditated and unjustified,” said Magistrate Mkwananzi, has he handed down his sentence.
In its wisdom, the court considered the mitigating circumstances surrounding the case. Mandebvu, during the altercation, had suffered a broken leg after being run over by his own vehicle as he was assaulting the trio. Medical reports indicated that the injury was severe and permanent, a consequence of his own reckless actions. For that reason, Magistrate Mkwananzi wholly suspended Mandebvu’s 2-year-imprisonment sentence.
The court also imposed a five-year probationary period, meaning that Mandebvu will be sent to prison if he commits any further offenses related to violence. This provision serves as a further deterrent, ensuring that he understands the gravity of his actions and the consequences of repeating them.
