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Conrad Mupesa
Mashonaland West Bureau
An effective three-year jail term has been imposed on Knoweldge Jani (21) of Chinhoyi.
Jani was convicted and sent to prison for damaging his father’s car before torching both the car and house.
The 21-year-old from Shackleton Mine, was convicted of malicious property damage when he appeared before Chinhoyi Magistates Court.
He had been sentenced to four years in jail, before one year was suspended on condition of future good behaviour.
He committed the crime sometime in April this year.
The court heard that Jani accused his father and stepmother of practising witchcraft and claimed they were behind his prolonged illness.
In court he could not substantiate his claims leading the state to successfully lead his conviction.
Angered, Jani first damaged his father’s vehicle, a Nissan Sunny, parked outside using stones to smash windows and damage the body.
He then siphoned fuel from the car’s tank which he poured onto the house before setting it ablaze.
He also set the damaged car on fire. He could not be restrained and his father contacted the police, who swiftly responded and arrested Jani. The total damage to the house and car was estimated at approximately US$14 000.
Online Reporter