MBABANE – A landlord has accused his former tenant of bewitching him after discovering a shoelace tied to a beam of the house previously occupied by the latter.
Not only did Lindo Matsebula accuse the former tenant, but he also assaulted him in full view of the public.
Appearing at the Mbabane National Court, Matsebula was charged with assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm. He pleaded guilty to the charge. When asked why he assaulted his former tenant, he explained that he believed his actions were justified.
He told the court that his former tenant had bewitched him with the shoelace left on the beam of the house he previously occupied.
“I consulted and was made to believe that I was bewitched through the shoelace with many knots in my house. I was advised to cut the shoelace with a bush knife and throw it away,” he said confidently.
However, the former tenant told the court that he had used the shoelace to make a hanger (umgibe), as he did not have a wardrobe at the time. He stated that he had never thought the shoelace would be associated with witchcraft.
“Matsebula asked if I knew him when we met next to the spaza shop. He asked what I left in his house and, without giving me an opportunity to respond, he assaulted me in full view of the public, accusing me of bewitching him,” he testified.
He added that nobody came to his rescue, as everyone present appeared too scared of Matsebula.
The former tenant also stated that he sustained severe injuries to his head and face during the incident. Despite his explanation, Matsebula maintained that he believed the shoelace was associated with witchcraft. He questioned why it had many knots and was tied on one side, and argued that the manner in which the shoelace was tied on the beam did not suggest it was a hanger.
Mbabane National Court President, Two Minutes Shongwe, found Matsebula guilty of assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm.
Shongwe noted the injuries sustained by the complainant, as reflected in the doctor’s report, and considered the fact that the incident occurred in full view of the public, which he said lowered the complainant’s self-esteem.
Shongwe warned Matsebula against acting on unfounded allegations.
“How did Mtfupha leave your house? Were you happy about the manner in which he left?” Shongwe asked. In response, Matsebula stated that the former tenant left without informing him.
Matsebula was sentenced to eight months imprisonment, with the option to pay a fine of E800.
Leave a comment