Man knifed in neck during land boundary dispute

A boundary dispute took a violent turn, leaving a 32-year-old man facing a four-year prison term after stabbing a neighbor during a heated argument. Fortune Hove, from Gazimbi village in Mberengwa, was sentenced to six years, with two years suspended, after being convicted of attempted murder.

The incident occurred on August 23, 2024, when Hove visited the complainant's residence to settle a dispute over a shared field boundary. Their discussion grew tense as Hove accused the complainant of encroaching on his land by clearing parts of his field. The argument quickly escalated, and Hove, in a fit of anger, drew a knife and stabbed the complainant in the neck.

The National Prosecuting Authority of Zimbabwe (NPAZ) shared details of the case on X, describing how Hove led the complainant from his home with the intent to discuss the boundary issue, only for the situation to devolve into violence. "The accused person pulled a knife from his pocket and stabbed the complainant once in the neck," NPAZ stated.

The complainant was rushed to the hospital, while Hove was arrested shortly after the incident. He appeared in Mberengwa Magistrates' Court, where he was found guilty of attempted murder. The court's ruling included a six-year sentence, with two years suspended, meaning Hove will serve four years in prison.

This incident underscores the potential dangers of unresolved disputes in communities and the importance of lawful channels for conflict resolution.