MAN (AGED 25) RUNS OVER HIS NEIGHBOUR IN BRAWL

A 25-year-old man from Bulawayo who allegedly ran over his neighbour with a car and assaulted him several times over a misunderstanding, was yesterday released on bail of US$100 pending trial.

Ashley Sibanda, from Iminyela suburb, appeared before Western Commonage Regional Magistrate, Mrs Sibongile Marondedze, facing charges of attempted murder.

Sibanda entered no formal plea during the brief hearing and was granted bail, with a trial set for March 25.

As part of the bail conditions, Sibanda was ordered to continue residing at his given address and not to interfere with State witnesses until the matter is concluded.

The incident occurred on February 10 on a road in Iminyela and Sibanda left the victim, Mr Believe Mbedzi, with severe injuries to his face and a broken foot.

Prosecuting, Ms Christina Manyika told the court that the incident took place around 8pm when Sibanda was driving along the road in Iminyela and saw Mr Mbedzi standing at the roadside.

“Upon seeing Mr Mbedzi, Sibanda ran over him, claiming that he had insulted him and the other accused, Thembelihle Sibanda, who is still at large,” she said.

Ms Manyika told the court that Sibanda and his accomplice then exited the vehicle and began assaulting Mr Mbedzi with open hands to the face.

“Whilst assaulting Mr Mbedzi, the vehicle’s front passenger tyre was still resting on top of Mr Mbedzi’s right foot,” Ms Manyika said.

The court heard that Sibanda and his accomplice then left Mr Mbedzi lying on the road. He was later taken to Mpilo Hospital and the matter was reported to the police, who conducted investigations, leading to Sibanda’s arrest. *_-Chronicle_*