Grandpa murdered for speaking in English

Michael Mashiri

High Court judge Justice Lucy Mungwar has sentenced a man to 20 years in prison for the fatal assault of an old man speaking English.

The court heard that, on June 13, 2021, Langton Mandibvira, 73, of Ruware Ranch, Marondera met Anyway Pondo along a road close to South Lawn Park School.

Mandibvira was speaking in English. Pondo took offence and asked Mandibvira if he was referring to him.

Not waiting for a response, Pondo immediately started to assault Mandibvira with open hands booted feet all over his body.

Pondo then left the injured Mandibvira on the road, bleeding from ears, mouth and nose with head injuries.

Mandibvira was taken to the hospital for treatment His condition deteriorated and he died on June 13 days later.

A post-mortem determined death as resulting from brain damage and head trauma.

The court found Pondo guilty of murder.

"After arriving at a finding that the murder was committed in aggravating circumstances as well as consideration of the mitigating factors, we could have sentenced the accused to an imprisonment term of 22 years.

"However, because he has been incarcerated since June of 2021, he has already served a two year sentence.

"The court will therefore deduct the two years that has already been served. Accordingly the accused is sentenced to 20 years imprisonment," said Justice Mungwari.