Public Prosecutor v Vusi

Supreme Court

Criminal
1690 of 2020
20 Jul 2020

Justice Gustaaf Andrée Wiltens
Public Prosecutor
Simon Vusi

SENTENCE

1. Mr Vusi pleaded guilty at the first opportunity to a charge of threat to kill.

2. The summary of facts made it plain that he had lost his self-control due to the excessive consumption of alcohol. While in that state he demanded a cigarette from a passerby. When his request was declined he threatened to cut the neck of the passerby. It is accepted that he had no means to carry out the threat. It is further obvious that the complainant was concerned about Mr Vusi’s behavior because he had his 4-year old daughter with him at the time – rather than actually being fearful of Mr Vusi.

3. Mr Vusi is 41 years old, with no previous convictions. He has apologised for his act, and is remorseful.

4. He co-operated with the police and pleaded promptly.

5. In the circumstances it seemed an unnecessary step to call for reports and submissions. The prosecution accepted community service was a sufficient measure to impose.

6. Accordingly, I convicted Mr Vusi as charged and ordered him to complete 100 hours of community service.

DATED at Luganville this 20th day of July 2020
BY THE COURT

……………………………………………………
Justice G.A. Andrée Wiltens