Man jailed for violent assault over 'sabhuku' remark

A 61-year-old man from Gutu has been sentenced to an effective 20 months in prison after violently assaulting a 23-year-old man during a dispute sparked by a seemingly innocuous remark.

Hebert Magombedze appeared before Magistrate Innocent Bepura, where he was convicted of assaulting Samson Mberikunashe at a local business centre on 24 August 2025.

The court heard that the altercation began in the evening when Mberikunashe addressed Magombedze as "Sabhuku," a term commonly used for a village head. The remark reportedly angered Magombedze, triggering a heated exchange between the two.

In the course of the dispute, Magombedze struck Mberikunashe in the eye. As the younger man attempted to leave, the accused pursued him. Later, he confronted him again on his way home and stabbed him once in the left rib, inflicting a deep chest wound.

Despite the severity of his injuries, Mberikunashe only reported the incident to the police three days later. A medical report subsequently confirmed the extent of the injuries, leading to Magombedze's arrest.

Prosecutor Nixon Chamisa emphasized the seriousness of the assault and the harm suffered by the complainant during court proceedings.

Magistrate Bepura sentenced Magombedze to 36 months' imprisonment, with 16 months suspended for five years on condition of good behaviour.