By Sithandweyinkosi Mpofu

A violent Kwekwe prophet who went viral in a Whatsapp audio assaulting a church member has been slapped with 315 hours of community service today by Kwekwe  magistrate Cheryl Tembo

Prophet Simabyu Shiri (35) who was facing three counts of assault was convicted on his own plea of guilty in the case which went viral on social media where he assaulted Violet Ndhleleni (54) on 14 February 2024.

The other two cases in which he was accused of assaulting Peace Tapfumaneyi and Takudzwa Dube were thrown out following lack of evidence.

Shiri was initially sentenced to 12 months imprisonment with three months suspended on condition that he does not commit a similar offence in the next five years.

The remaining nine months were suspended on condition that he performs 315 hours of community service at Mbizo Police Station starting 6 March 2024.

Shiri in plea admitted that he acted unlawfully by assaulting Ndhleleni.

“I apologise, I acted unlawfully. I overreacted. I am willing to restitute complainant and pay for medical bills incurred,” he said.

Shiri was represented by Kwekwe lawyer Wisdom Mehlo.