By Panashe Divine Karidzagundi
A 30-year-old Beitbridge man, Brighton Moyo, has been denied bail in an attempted murder case.
Moyo had a fatal violent confrontation with Ashley Kakondo.
Moyo, who admitted to stabbing Kakondo during the altercation, appeared before Magistrate Charity Maphosa on 10 December.
He told the court he was seeking bail only to access medical treatment claiming he will not interfere with witnesses.
In court, Moyo said the incident began as a fistfight. He told the court he ran about 100 metres from the scene, but Kakondo followed him holding a spade.
Moyo said bystanders told him to stop running, and upon seeing Kakondo approaching, he took a knife from a nearby vendor for self-defence. He retreated into a backyard where the fight continued.
Moyo claimed Kakondo struck him with the spade and that a struggle followed.
During the scuffle, Kakondo allegedly bit his finger, prompting Moyo to use the knife.
Kakondo later fled, and Moyo admitted chasing him while throwing stones.
In his bail application, Moyo said he needed medical attention and stressed he had no intention of obstructing investigations.
“I did not use any okapi knife. I just want medical help. I have no other pending cases,” he said, also admitting he had previously stolen a phone and a bag but said those issues had been resolved.
Prosecutor Mercy Nyathi opposed bail, arguing that Moyo was a flight risk and that releasing him could interfere with ongoing investigations.
“The charge he is facing is serious. Police investigations are not yet complete, and releasing him would pose a danger to the community,” she said.
Maphosa denied bail, noting that Moyo was not disputing the allegations, which supported the State’s concerns about absconding.
The court ordered the officer-in-charge to ensure Moyo receives medical treatment while in custody. If treatment is unavailable at the local prison, he must be taken to a government hospital.
The State was also warned that if it is not ready for trial within two weeks, the matter will be removed from remand.
Moyo is expected back in court on 24 December for trial.