AN MDC-T councillor for Umguza ward 3 allegedly threatened a nurse at a local clinic with setting her house ablaze with her inside, accusing her of failing to update him as a local leader about developments at the clinic. SILAS NKALA STAFF REPORTER
Councillor Maqhawe Mpengesi (43) pleaded not guilty to the charge of threats of violence on Sichelesile Ngwenya (29), a nurse at Fingo Clinic in Mbembesi, when he appeared before magistrate Sheunesu Matova during a court circuit at Mbembesi on Thursday last week.
In denying the charge, Mpengesi told the court that he had visited the clinic to find out about the distribution of mosquito nets at the health institution, which he had not been updated about.
“I went to inquire how they were distributing mosquito nets,” he told the court.
“I found a nurse called Mrs Jalibani and someone who is not a nurse.
“I asked why they distributed mosquito nets without my knowledge. I did not threaten to burn her (Ngwenya) inside the house.”
The magistrate remanded him out of custody to October 22 for continuation of trial.
The court heard that on July 23, this year at 11am, the councillor confronted Ngwenya while she was on duty and started accusing her of not updating him about activities happening at the clinic, since he is the local councillor.
- Chamisa under fire over US$120K donation
- Mavhunga puts DeMbare into Chibuku quarterfinals
- Pension funds bet on Cabora Bassa oilfields
- Councils defy govt fire tender directive
Keep Reading
Mpengesi then ordered Ngwenya to dissolve the committee which had been selected by the community to oversee the construction of a shelter for nursing mothers at the health institution.
He allegedly told Ngwenya that he was not happy with the way she distributed mosquito nets to the community without consulting him. Mpengesi allegedly went on to threaten her with arson.
It is the State case that Mpengesi said in Ndebele, “Ngizakutshisela endlini unanzelele, kulento embi ezakwenzakala kuwe,” (I shall burn you down in your house, you must always remain alert since something bad will happen to you any time soon).
Fearing for her life, Ngwenya told her colleagues, Buhlebenkosi Jalibani and Brain Ncube about the threats.
She later told Witness Moyo, the sister-in-charge at the clinic, who advised her to report to the police, leading to Mpengesi’s arrest.
