Trenance murderers get 25 years each

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TWO men who stabbed a Trenance man to death following a dispute were yesterday lucky to escape the death sentence receiving 25year prison sentences

TWO men who stabbed a Trenance man to death following a dispute were yesterday lucky to escape the death sentence when Bulawayo High Court judge Justice Andrew Mutema sentenced them to an effective 25 years in jail.

SILAS NKALA STAFF REPORTER

Justice Mutema said he had considered their young age and that they had committed the offence under the influence of alcohol.

Desire Ncube (20) of Emakhandeni and Blessed Ngwenya (22) of Mzilikazi were convicted of killing Elton Moyo (49) although they were denying the charge.

Justice Mutema sentenced them to 30 years in jail each, but suspended five years on condition of good behaviour.

In sentencing them, Justice Mutema said he had considered that Ncube was below 21 years at the time he committed the offence.

In terms of Section 48 subsection (2) of the Constitution, a person who commits murder under the age of 21 cannot be given the death penulty.

“Accused two (Ngwenya) was already above 21 years when he committed the offence and is eligible for a death sentence if no extenuating circumstances exist,” Justice Mutema said.

He said Ngwenya had told the court that he had taken four litres of opaque beer and bottled beer which meant he was too drunk. “This is quite a large quantity for one to take.

“Though the State said there was no extenuating evidence that you might have committed the offence due to drunkenness, this court has found out that you were drunk,” the judge ruled.

“Accused one (Ncube) was drunk as well. He said he had drunk 750mls of Vodka and other bottled beer. It is surprising why and how one would take such amount of beer.

“The courts are troubled by murder cases committed by young people between the ages of 20 and 22 using knives.

“It is surprising to see people killing others with knives in a civilised society.

“What makes your crime worse is that you killed him when you wanted to rob him.

“The courts will continue to give proper sentences to such offenders,” Justice Mutema said.

He blamed parents for failing to bring up children properly.

“Young boys come home late and parents do not even ask where they are coming from.

“Schools and churches have been social institutions where children are taught about life, but these days standards have fallen apart.

“These two young men will not be free for a long time. They were supposed to live their free life.

“This sentence will send a message to others that murder is not allowed,” justice Mutema said.

The State said on November 24 2012 at around 11.30pm, Moyo was walking along Lobengula Street in the company of a friend.

Ncube allegedly bumped into Moyo from behind and an argument ensued. Ncube later grabbed Moyo and stabbed him while demanding money. The friend managed to flee, but Moyo was not so lucky as he was stabbed on the left side of the chest and on the buttock and left for dead.

He later died at the United Bulawayo Hospitals.

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