Harare Man Gouges Out Graduates Eyes With Sharp Object To Rob Him Of US$10

A 40-YEAR-OLD man from Chitungwiza has been dragged to the courts for permanently damaging a university graduate’s eyes before robbing him of his $10.

Panganayi Mutinhiri allegedly gouged Mayibongwe Madisa’s eyes in order to rob him of his $10.

When he first appeared in court Monday Mutinhiri pleaded guilty to plain robbery charges responding in Shona with no difficulties but started stammering Tuesday saying he could not speak in Shona.

Prosecutors say on July 3, Mutinhiri, in the company of one Edmore Chihwai who is still at large, waylaid Madisa and assaulted him using a sharp object in his eyes before taking $10 from his wallet.

Mutinhiri was arrested on the crime scene while trying to rob police officers who were in a private car and was found in possession of a bloody knife and a catapult.

Due to the injuries he sustained, Madisa, a development entreprenuership graduate from a local university, lost his eyes.

Doctors said they had to remove both eyes because they were badly damaged.

The trial failed to start Monday as Madisa is said to be seriously ill.

Moreover, Mutinhiri said he was not able to respond in Shona and needed a Ndebele interpreter.

The state, led by Sharon Mashavira, argued that he was taking the court for granted as he initially responded to charges in Shona.

“We are surprised to hear a sudden change. Yesterday the accused responded in Shona with no difficulties but today he is telling us that he cannot speak in Shona,” said Mashavira.

Magistrate Tendai Mahwe said a Ndebele interpreter would be availed and remanded the case to August 4. source-newzimbabwe