MARTIN MAWAYA
A 25-year-old Mvuma man who ran amok and set his neighbour’s hut ablaze in a dispute over chickens, trapping a woman and her four children inside, was on Thursday jailed for nine years by Gweru Regional Magistrate Christopher Maturure.
Simbarashe Mafeta of Huchu Village 72 will, however, serve an effective seven years for attempted murder after one year was suspended on good behaviour and another on condition he pays US$2 000 restitution to the complainant, Ella Nyarai Vambe.
Prosecutor Monica Mugwena told the court that on September 17, 2025, around 8pm, Mafeta confronted Vambe, accusing her of allowing her dog to feast on his chickens.
Vambe was asleep in her hut with four minors when the accused demanded that she comes out to explain.
“When the complainant refused, Mafeta set the hut on fire before retreating to his homestead,” added Mugwena.
The court heard that the complainant and her children were trapped inside until villagers came to their rescue.
Property worth US$2 000 was destroyed.
In passing sentence, Magistrate Maturure stressed the gravity of the offence, saying Mafeta had endangered lives and destroyed valuable property.
