AN illegal gold panner, popularly known as mkorokoza, who had been on the run for seven years after killing his brother-in-law in a brawl at a funeral in Insuza in 2005, was yesterday sentenced to seven years in prison.
RICHARD MUPONDE SENIOR COURT REPORTER
Limukani Nkomo (28) who committed the offence when he was 19, was convicted of culpable homicide by Bulawayo High Court judge Justice Andrew Mutema sitting at the Hwange High Court Circuit.
Two years of his sentence were conditionally suspended for five years.
In mitigation on his behalf, his Victoria Falls-based pro deo (free) lawyer Enerst Mashindi said the court should impose a sentence that would allow Nkomo to reform than one that hardened him.
“He has been in custody since 2012. The sentence should not harden him, but make him reform as he was still young when he committed the offence,” Mashindi said.
“He joined when the deceased was already being assaulted with sticks.
“However, his use of an axe in the assault contributed to his moral blameworthiness as the axe could have contributed to the speedy demise of the deceased. I pray that the sentence of seven years will meet the justice of the matter.”
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Whisper Mabhaudi — prosecuting — however, said Nkomo had been a fugitive from the law so his youthfulness, which could have acted in his favour, should not be enjoyed by him since he caused the delay of the matter.
“The time he committed the offence he was 18 years and a prison term could have been appropriate at that time despite his youthfulness and being a first offender,” Mabhaudi said.
“The murders involving violence in solving disputes are on the increase. The court should take a judicial notice that there is need for deterrent sentences in order to reduce incidences of people taking the law into their own hands in resolving disputes.”
