Bald and Broke: Villagers Assault Man for Not Having Money
A Kezi man was brutally attacked by three fellow villagers with stones and bricks for being bald while not having money.
Bekithemba Zondo (22) and Hlalisekile Moyo (24) were sentenced by a magistrate for assaulting Nhlanhla Mwenda (42) because he is bald and broke.
In some societies, having a stout body frame makes people believe one is financially stable and even wealthy in some instances. The cake is iced if the person has a bald head.
The attackers used this misconception that baldness equals wealth to justify their actions.
Villagers Sentenced For Assaulting Bald Man
According to a report by B-Metro, Bekithemba Zondo (22) and Hlalisekile Moyo (24) have been convicted and handed a sentence of 13 months in prison, with seven months suspended on the condition that they refrain from committing a similar crime within the next five years.
Considering the high incidence of assault crimes in the area, the court deemed it necessary to impose a severe sentence as a deterrent to potential offenders.
The trio attacked Mwenda with lethal weapons, causing injuries that were inflicted indiscriminately. Mwenda’s medical report indicated that his injuries might result in permanent damage.
Accomplice Yet to Be Arrested For Assaulting Bald Man
The men had a third accomplice, Owen Sibanda (42), who the authorities are yet to apprehend arrest. While defending themselves in court, Zondo and Moyo explained that they were merely intervening in a fight between Sibanda and the bald Nhlanhla Mwenda.
However, three witnesses testified during the trial. They confirmed that Zondo and Moyo had attacked Mwenda when they demanded money to buy alcohol, and upon discovering he had no money on him, they turned violent.
Challenging Harmful Beliefs and Promoting Inclusivity
Baldness is a natural part of the ageing process and does not reflect a person’s wealth or success. We must challenge harmful beliefs and promote accurate information to prevent further harm.