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Brothers jailed for slaughtering sibling's ox in funeral dispute
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Two brothers from Mangunye Village in Gweru have been sentenced to 10 years in prison each for stealing and slaughtering their brother's ox during a heated funeral dispute. The incident occurred on November 10, 2024, after accusations of witchcraft escalated into a violent confrontation.
The Dispute
During a funeral ceremony at the complainant's residence, Rasson Hove (38) and Moses Mudzingwa (31) accused their brother of bewitching their deceased sibling, sparking a fiery argument. The dispute became so intense that the complainant fled his home for safety.
In an act of revenge, Hove and Mudzingwa broke into their brother's kraal and slaughtered one of his oxen, valued at US$500. Part of the meat was served at the funeral, while the rest was left in the complainant's bedroom.
Legal Proceedings
The brothers were charged with stock theft and appeared before the Gweru Magistrates' Court. In its statement on X (formerly Twitter), the National Prosecuting Authority of Zimbabwe detailed the events leading to the charges:
"On the 10th of November 2024 at around 2020 hours, a dispute arose at a funeral held at the complainant's residence. The offenders accused him of bewitching their deceased sibling, leading to a heated argument. Subsequently, the offenders entered the complainant's kraal and unlawfully slaughtered one of his oxen. A portion of the meat was served at the funeral, while the remainder was left in the complainant's bedroom. The stolen ox is valued at US$500, and no recovery has been made."
Sentencing
The court sentenced both Hove and Mudzingwa to 10 years imprisonment, with one year suspended on the condition that they pay US$500 in restitution to the complainant. Each brother is required to pay US$250 as part of the compensation.
Community Shock
The incident has left the local community shocked, highlighting the lengths to which disputes over accusations of witchcraft can escalate. The sentence serves as a stern warning against stock theft and unlawful behavior during sensitive times such as funerals.
Authorities continue to urge communities to resolve disputes amicably and to report crimes promptly to avoid acts of revenge and property damage.
The Dispute
During a funeral ceremony at the complainant's residence, Rasson Hove (38) and Moses Mudzingwa (31) accused their brother of bewitching their deceased sibling, sparking a fiery argument. The dispute became so intense that the complainant fled his home for safety.
In an act of revenge, Hove and Mudzingwa broke into their brother's kraal and slaughtered one of his oxen, valued at US$500. Part of the meat was served at the funeral, while the rest was left in the complainant's bedroom.
Legal Proceedings
The brothers were charged with stock theft and appeared before the Gweru Magistrates' Court. In its statement on X (formerly Twitter), the National Prosecuting Authority of Zimbabwe detailed the events leading to the charges:
Sentencing
The court sentenced both Hove and Mudzingwa to 10 years imprisonment, with one year suspended on the condition that they pay US$500 in restitution to the complainant. Each brother is required to pay US$250 as part of the compensation.
Community Shock
The incident has left the local community shocked, highlighting the lengths to which disputes over accusations of witchcraft can escalate. The sentence serves as a stern warning against stock theft and unlawful behavior during sensitive times such as funerals.
Authorities continue to urge communities to resolve disputes amicably and to report crimes promptly to avoid acts of revenge and property damage.
Source - The Herald
