A 17-YEAR-OLD Bulilima boy has appeared in court facing attempted murder charges after he severely assaulted his friend with an iron rod and left him unconscious in a dispute at a gambling school.

The teenager, whose identity has been withheld for legal reasons, attacked his colleague after he demanded a torch that he had won while they were gambling.

His friend sustained a deep cut on the head as a result of the attack and is battling for life in hospital.

The boy appeared before Plumtree magistrate, Mr Joshua Mawere, facing attempted murder charges. He was remanded out of custody to today.Mr Mawere released him into the custody of his aunt whom he told to ensure that he does not abscond.