Online Reporter
Tendai Gukutikwa
Weekender Reporter
A CHIPINGE man who struck his neighbour with a machete over a 15 Rand debt was recently convicted and slapped with an eight-year jail term by a local magistrate.
Vengai Sithole (29) was slapped with an eight-year jail term, of which two years were suspended on the usual conditions for five years.
He will serve effective six years in prison.
According to a statement released by the National Prosecuting Authority, Sithole was convicted of attempted murder.
“Sithole, of Mbuyanehanda “B” Village under Chief Garahwa in Chipinge attempted to murder his 47-year-old neighbour. On November 17, 2024, at around 2pm, Sithole approached the victim at his homestead and demanded his 15 Rand that the victim owed him.
The victim informed him that he did not have change for a 100 Rand note. Sithole left after that.
“Later that day, and at around 7pm, Sithole returned to the victim’s homestead, this time armed with a machete. He again demanded his money, and struck the victim once on the forehead with the machete. The victim fell to the ground, sustaining a deep cut on his forehead. Investigations led to his arrest,” reads the statement.
He was convicted of contravening Section 189(1) as read with Section 47(1) of the Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Act, (Chapter 9:23).
He had initially denied the charges that were being levelled against him, and a full trial, which saw witnesses being brought to court.
