Dynamos fan jailed 15 months for assault

By Emily Mbewe

BULAWAYO – A suspected Dynamos supporter ran amok and hit a Highlanders fan with a bar stool after another man switched off the television while they were watching a football match between the two big teams at a sports bar in Bulawayo.

Dumisane Mutandare, 36, flew into a rage when Franklin Kangwa switched off the TV during the controversial match between the two bitter rivals on June 28 at Rufaro Stadium in Harare. The match was being beamed live on SuperSport.

Kangwa powered off the TV set when linesman Bongani Gadzikwa and referee Norman Matemera connived to disallow what has since been ruled to have been a legitimate goal by Highlanders.

Bosso went on to lose the match 3-2.

Mutandare yesterday appeared before Magistrate Sibongile Msipa-Marondedze charged with assault.

The magistrate convicted him on his own plea of guilty and sentenced him to 15 months imprisonment.

“You are a first offender who pleaded guilty to the charge and did not waste the court’s time. You’re sentenced to 15 months imprisonment of which five months of the sentence are suspended for five years on condition you do not commit an offence of a similar nature. Ten months of your sentence are effective,” Msipa-Marondedze said.

Prosecuting, Maria John said on June 28 at around 4PM, Danisile Ndlovu was watching a football match at Mqombothi Sports bar.

John said Franklin Kangwa switched off the television after a goal by Highlanders was denied.

“Mutandare approached Kangwa intending to hit him with one of the stools at the bar,” said John.

The court heard that Kangwa blocked it leading to the stool hitting Ndlovu who was seating near the two.

“The stool hit Ndlovu on his left eye and he was taken to Mpilo hospital for medical examination. He was referred to Richard Morris for eye examination,” said prosecutor John. The Chronicle