Chief Ndiweni gets bail

Hanganani Nleya

Chief Felix Nhlanhlayamangwe Ndiweni of Ntabazinduna was released today (Wednesday) on ZWL$500 bail pending an appeal of his 18 month imprisonment.

Chief Ndiweni (54) and 23 other villagers were recently convicted by Bulawayo magistrate, Ms Gladmore Mushove for malicious damage to property belonging to Mr Fetti Mbele’s property.

Bulawayo High Court judge Justice Thompson Mabhikwa ruled that Chief Ndiweni’s appeal against both conviction and sentence had prospects of success, and dismissed the State’s assertion that if granted bail, the applicant was likely to abscond.

Chief Ndiweni and his 23 subjects were each sentenced to 24 months of which six months were suspended for five years on condition that they do not, within that period, commit a similar offence.

As part of his bail conditions, Chief Ndiweni was ordered to report to ZRP Ntabazinduna and to reside at his given address until the matter is finalised.