Man Wrongly Accused Of Theft Loses Three Teeth In Savage Mob Attack

A shop assistant in Zvishavane has been left with permanent injuries, including the loss of three teeth, after being brutally attacked by a mob outside a nightclub.

Mthulisi Mangena, 26, was sentenced to six years in prison by the Zvishavane Magistrates’ Court for attempted murder.

The court heard how Mangena was part of a group that carried out a “mob-style” assault that left the victim unconscious.

The incident took place around midnight on 14 December 2025. The victim had been sitting next to a woman at a local nightclub when she was accused of stealing a watch. When Mangena dragged the woman outside, the victim followed to see what the commotion was about.

The group quickly turned on him, shouting, “Ndiye umwe wacho” (“He’s the other one”).

What followed was a savage assault. The victim was struck over the head with a beer bottle and, once on the ground, was repeatedly kicked and beaten with stones and a metal tool. During the attack, the group robbed him of $354 and his house keys.

Mangena attempted to stab the man with an Okapi knife but was stopped by another member of the crowd.

The victim was then forced into a black Toyota Aqua, driven away, and dumped unconscious on Escrow Way.

The victim suffered several deep cuts to his forehead and head, lost three teeth, had a fourth broken, and was left with severe bruising across his face and arms.

The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) condemned the attack, saying such coordinated violence involving dangerous weapons in public spaces will not be tolerated.