Jailed Congolese professional boxer Bololo Katomba was back in court yesterday facing fresh assault charges after he viciously attacked a prison officer at Harare Central Prison.
Katomba, who was already serving time for assault, appeared before Harare magistrate Artwell Sanyatwe and pleaded guilty to the new charge. He was sentenced to eight months’ imprisonment, wholly suspended on condition he does not commit a similar offence within the next five years.
Magistrate Sanyatwe further ordered his deportation, noting that Katomba had already completed his initial sentence and was awaiting handover to immigration authorities for removal to the Democratic Republic of Congo. His deportation is expected to take place tomorrow.
According to the State, the complainant, Taona Nyoni, a prison officer stationed at Harare Central Remand Prison, attempted to restrain Katomba on December 12 around 9am after the boxer became violent towards other inmates.
Prosecutor Monalisa Magwenzi told the court that Katomba reacted aggressively, striking Nyoni repeatedly with a tar rubble stick. The assault left the officer with severe eye injuries, and a medical affidavit confirming the injuries was tendered in court.
In mitigation, Katomba claimed he lost his temper after allegedly being assaulted by prison officers during routine security searches.
Katomba’s troubles began when he was arrested at Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport during a layover to South Africa, where he assaulted officials. He was initially sentenced to two months in prison for that offence before the latest incident.
