Online Reporter
Freedom Mupanedemo
Midlands Bureau
A 25-YEAR-OLD man from Mvuma has been sentenced to nine years in jail for setting his neighbour’s hut on fire while she and her four children were inside, following a dispute over chickens.
Simbarashe Mafeta of Huchu Village 72 appeared before Mr Maturure, facing one count of attempted murder.
He pleaded not guilty but was convicted after a full trial.
In passing sentence, Gweru Regional Magistrate Mr Christopher Maturure stressed the gravity of the offence, saying Mafeta had endangered the lives of the complainant, Ms Ella Nyarai Vambe and her children and destroyed valuable property.
“The accused is found guilty of attempted murder and is sentenced to nine years in prison,” he said.
“He will, however, serve an effective seven years after one year was suspended on good behaviour and another on condition he pays US$2 000 restitution to the complainant.”
Prosecutor, Ms Monica Mugwena, told the court that on September 17 at around 8 pm, Mafeta confronted Ms Vambe, accusing her of allowing her dog to feast on his chickens.
The court heard that Ms Vambe was asleep in her hut with four minors when the accused demanded that she come out to explain herself.
“When the complainant refused, Mafeta set the hut on fire before retreating to his home,” Ms Mugwena said.
“Ms Vambe and her children were trapped inside until other villagers came to their rescue.”
The court heard that the matter was reported to the police, leading to Mafeta’s arrest.
Property worth US$2 000 was destroyed.
