Zim Now Writer
A 25-year-old man from Mvuma, Simbarashe Mafeta, has been sentenced to nine years in prison for attempted murder after setting fire to a woman’s hut while she and her four children were inside.
The Gweru Magistrates’ Court handed down the sentence following a chilling incident that occurred on 17 September 2025 in Village 72 Huchu, Mvuma. Prosecutors told the court that Mafeta approached the 38-year-old victim’s home around 8 p.m. and knocked on the door of her hut, where she was inside with her children aged between five and 10 years old.
When the woman refused to come out, Mafeta accused her of letting her dog attack his chickens.
He then set fire to the hut with the family trapped inside. Fortunately, the family managed to escape unharmed, though the blaze caused property damage valued at US$2,000.
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Mafeta was sentenced to nine years, but two years were suspended on condition of good behavior, leaving him to serve an effective seven years in prison.
In addition, he was ordered to pay US$2,000 in restitution for the destroyed property.
In a statement, the National Prosecuting Authority of Zimbabwe urged the public to avoid violence and seek peaceful alternatives when resolving disputes.
“It’s a sobering fact that a significant number of murder cases originate from seemingly meaningless altercations.
"We advise individuals to seek third-party mediation as a constructive alternative to violence,” said the NPAZ.
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