Dogs fight, owners join in

Patience Nhamburo

When a dog bites a man, it is not news, but if a man bites a dog, that is news. That is an expression often used in journalism school to define news as unusual and a report of infrequent events.

How about when two dogs bark at each other and their owners fight, leaving one of them hospitalised? Would you consider that news?

Well nothing could be more unusual and infrequent than that.

A man from Harare’s Crowhill suburb, Austin Nyabanga was admitted to Parirenyatwa Hospital after he was stabbed during an altercation over a dog fight.

The alleged aggressor, Kembo Chatyora appeared before a Harare Magistrates Court facing assault charges.

The court heard that the two met at a shebeen in Crowhill and their dogs barked at each other.

Chatyora allegedly hit Nyabanga’s dog with a brick. Nyabanga confronted Chatyora and a fight ensued. The accused allegedly produced a screwdriver and stabbed the complainant, who sustained a deep cut.

Harare magistrate Dennis Mangosi remanded Chatyora in custody to tomorrow (Thursday).

Lance Mutsokoti represented the state.