Bulawayo Brothers Accused of Attempted Murder of Doctor Granted Bail
Two brothers accused of brutally assaulting a medical doctor in a widely circulated video have been granted US$200 bail each after appearing before a Bulawayo regional magistrate, despite strong opposition from the National Prosecuting Authority.
Nigel Mugwagwa, 32, and Prince Mugwagwa, 26, appeared before regional magistrate Mark Dzira facing attempted murder charges following the alleged attack on Dr Mkhonzeni Sibanda at Cotton Kraal Bar at Bradfield Shopping Centre on April 5.
Prosecutor Siphiwe Mhlanga opposed bail, arguing the pair were a flight risk having only been arrested five days after the alleged offence after footage of the assault had circulated widely on social media.
“The accused persons went into hiding and were only apprehended after the matter trended online,” Mhlanga told the court.
She said the state had a strong case against the brothers, citing multiple eyewitnesses and additional complaints from other victims.
“There are three pending dockets from complainants who were assaulted when they tried to restrain the accused persons,” she said.
Defence lawyer Simbarashe Madzivire dismissed the claims, arguing his clients were not flight risks as they had voluntarily presented themselves to police.
“The accused persons actually went to the police station to inquire about the circulating video and subsequently handed themselves over,” Madzivire said.
He added that unproven allegations about other pending cases should not be used to deny the accused their constitutional right to bail.
“The state has not placed any evidence before this court to substantiate the existence of those dockets,” he argued.
Dzira granted bail, ordering each brother to pay US$200 and imposing strict conditions. They were ordered not to interfere with state witnesses, to reside at their given addresses and to report to Tshabalala Police Station every Friday.
Prosecutors allege Prince grabbed Dr Sibanda by the collar before both brothers punched and kicked him repeatedly, joined by two unidentified accomplices who remain at large.
Dr Sibanda sustained serious injuries, including fractured cheekbones, and was hospitalised. A medical affidavit is expected to be produced as evidence. *ZimLive*
