Online Reporter
Lovemore Kadzura
Mutare Bureau
A NYANGA man, who brazenly took the law into his hands and destroyed his neighbour’s crops in a row over a garden on Independence Day, has escaped a custodial sentence.
Luckson Bennedict (39) of Village 17, Fox Rock in Nyanga, was not represented and pleaded guilty to destroying a maize and potato crop valued at US$440. He appeared before Nyanga magistrate Notebulgar Muchinerepi.
Muchineripi sentenced Bennedict to eight months imprisonment before suspending three months on condition that he restitutes the complainant, Anesu Muganyi, US$440 by May 25.
Five months were set aside on condition that he performs 140 hours of community service at Majeje Primary School.
Prosecutor Nyasha Sesenyai told the court that by slashing the maize and vegetables and uprooting a potato crop belonging to Muganyi (36), Muchineripi committed malicious damage to property. “Bennedict and Muganyi are neighbours. On April 18, 2026, at around 7am at 17 Fox Rock Village Nyanga, the complainant was approached by the accused person who orderd him to remove all his crops in the garden.
“The complainant tried to reason with Bennedict to resolve the matter amicably.
“The complainant informed Bennedict that he was given permission to use the garden by one Specific Maraire. “Bennedict immediately took a slasher and proceeded to the garden where he slashed an already ripe maize crop, uprooted potato plants and vegetables in the presence of complainant’s father Kenneth Mugayi.
“Total value damaged is US$440.”
Bongani Ndlovu