Online Reporter
Patrick Chitumba
A 25-YEAR-OLD man from Shurugwi has been sentenced to 20 years in prison for fatally stabbing his neighbour, who had caught him stealing from his home.
The tragic incident occurred on December 16, 2018 at Nhidza Village under Chief Nhema. Lloyd Svova stabbed Lovemore Mapfigo (34) of Gambe Village, also under Chief Nhema, after being confronted over a break-in at the victim’s residence.
The case was presided over by Justice Bongani Ndlovu of the Bulawayo High Court, sitting in Gweru, who handed down the sentence yesterday.
Svova was represented by Mr Justice Chidawanyika of Chitere Chidawanyika Legal Practitioners, while the State was represented by prosecutor Ms Shalom Ndamuka Chikuni.
The court heard that Svova unlawfully entered Mapfigo’s home at around 1.30pm. While inside, he stole US$9 left on a table before proceeding to the bedroom, where he encountered Mapfigo and his wife, Ms Precious Choruta, who were resting.
Startled by Svova’s presence, the couple questioned him, but he failed to respond and fled. Choruta followed him to determine his direction. The couple, later joined by fellow villagers, tracked Svova to his homestead.
Ms Chikuni told the court that another villager, Mr Michael Burayayi, confronted Svova at his homestead, demanding the return of a pair of jeans the accused was wearing. Svova’s mother, Ms Plaxedes Svova, urged her son to return the allegedly stolen item, but he refused and locked himself in a room. He later escaped through a window and began pelting the crowd with stones.
After initially dispersing, the group returned to Svova’s homestead to engage in what was intended to be a peaceful dialogue, mediated by the accused’s brother, Tapiwa Svova.
“During the dialogue, Svova suddenly became aggressive and stabbed Mapfigo on the left side of the neck with a knife,” said Ms Chikuni.
Mapfigo attempted to pursue Svova but collapsed and died shortly afterwards. The matter was reported to the police, leading to Svova’s arrest.
In her testimony, Choruta said she and her husband were asleep when they heard movements and saw Svova entering their bedroom. After a brief struggle, he left the house.
“I followed him to see where he was going. My husband and I later tracked him to his homestead, joined by other villagers. I later realised the US$9 was missing,” she said.
She said that by the time she arrived at Svova’s homestead, she found her husband bleeding profusely.
“I tried to stop the bleeding, but it was in vain. We rushed him to hospital, but he was pronounced dead upon arrival,” said Choruta.
Mr Burayayi also testified, stating that he met Choruta while returning from his garden and, upon learning of the situation, joined the group that pursued Svova.
