The State has now preferred a more serious charge of attempted murder against Premier Soccer League outfit FC Platinum midfielder Mthulisi Maphosa, who last month allegedly stabbed a Bulawayo man following a brawl at a social soccer game in Mpopoma suburb.
This came to light on Monday when prosecutor Fanuel Chokuda told the court he would make an application for the alteration of charges against Maphosa from assault to attempted murder on his next remand date, November 28.
Chokuda said initially the footballer was brought to court facing an assault charge as police had not yet completed their investigations.
He indicated Maphosa would be given his trial date on his next remand appearance.
On Monday, Maphosa was again not asked to plead to assault when he briefly appeared before Bulawayo magistrate Shepherd Mjanja at the Western Commonage Courts for routine remand.
The footballer is out of custody on $100 bail. Charges against the former Warriors and Monomotapa midfielder, who stays in Mpopoma, are that on October 9, he allegedly stabbed the complainant, Isaac Mazambani, with a knife at a social soccer tournament in the suburb.
Mazambani sustained serious injuries which left his intestines hanging out.
He was rushed to Mpilo Central Hospital for an emergency operation.
