A dispute between two friends over a cow is now before the court.

One of them is charged with wounding, while the other is charged with assault occasioning actual bodily harm.

The man who was wounded, says he should not be charged because he was not the aggressor.

"I had a dispute with a friend last month and we are now before the court.

"My friend's cow came on to my property and destroyed my crops. I spoke to him about it and he became annoyed with me.

"There were heated words between us, and during the quarrel, my friend thumped me in my face and a ring on his finger cut my forehead.

"I punched him on his mouth and it became swollen and so both of us are now before the court.

"I am charged with assault occasioning actual bodily harm, while my friend is charged with wounding. I had to go to the doctor twice, and so I would prefer to get the money I spent for medical expenses, than to go through with the case. In the first place I should not even be charged because I was simply defending myself.

"My friend does not want to pursue the case against me, but we are both uncertain as to what to do", he said.

End case

When you go back to court you can both explain to the Resident Magistrate that you do not want to continue the case .

However, it is not a certainty that the RM will allow you to drop the case, but in several cases the RM will comply with the requests since it is difficult to get a complainant to testify who does not want to do so. If your friend does not pay your medical expenses you can sue him in the civil court to recover the money.