The Bulawayo Regional Court has sentenced a 22-year-old artisanal miner from Ntabazinduna to an effective four years in prison for attempted murder and theft after he attacked a neighbourhood watch committee member with an axe.
Wellington Mangena of Khalilu Line, Ntabazinduna, was convicted and sentenced on September 11.
He was sentenced to five years’ imprisonment, with one year suspended for five years on condition that he does not commit any offence involving violence or theft.
He will, therefore, serve an effective four years.
The court heard that on July 6, 2026, at 4pm, Mangena was at Mbelesini Business Centre armed with an axe and threatening residents.
The 36-year-old victim, a neighbourhood watch committee member, approached Mangena in an attempt to restrain his disruptive behaviour.
“The offender charged at the victim and struck him several times on the head, back and legs with the axe, inflicting deep cuts to his head and lower back,” prosecutors said.
After the attack, Mangena allegedly stole the victim’s Mobicel smartphone valued at US$120 and US$250 in cash before fleeing the scene.
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Investigations subsequently led to his arrest on August 16, 2026, at a tollgate while he was travelling to Bulawayo.
