Man jailed for 3 years after bloody attack

The conviction has been welcomed by the National Prosecuting Authority, which described the matter as a severe violation of trust and a grave crime against a vulnerable child.

Mthokozisi Ncube

A PETTY argument over a jacket turned into a blood-soaked nightmare after a Bulawayo man pulled out a kitchen knife and stabbed a fellow villager twice, landing himself behind bars for three years.

The 25-year-old man from Methodist Village was sentenced by the Bulawayo Magistrates’ Court after being convicted of attempted murder following the violent attack at Magumeni Shops on 28 May this year.

According to the National Prosecuting Authority of Zimbabwe (NPAZ), a misunderstanding over a jacket quickly exploded into a vicious assault.

“The offender and the victim were involved in a misunderstanding over the offender’s jacket. During the altercation, the offender produced a kitchen knife and stabbed the victim once in the back and once in the abdomen before fleeing the scene,” said the NPAZ in a statement.

The victim suffered serious injuries and was rushed to Mpilo Central Hospital for emergency treatment while the attacker fled.

However, the law soon caught up with him. He was arrested, prosecuted and convicted of attempted murder before being sentenced to an effective three years in prison.

NPAZ warned members of the public against settling disputes with violence.

“The NPAZ urges members of the public to resolve disputes peacefully and avoid resorting to violence, seek third party intervention to avoid unnecessary injuries and loss of life,” said the authority.