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Attempted murder over R15 debt lands man six-year jail term
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A 29-year-old man from Chipinge will spend the next six years behind bars after being convicted of attempted murder for attacking his neighbour with a machete over a ZAR15 debt.
Vengai Sithole, of Mbuyanehanda "B" Village under Chief Garahwa, was sentenced by the Chipinge Magistrates' Court following a violent dispute that nearly turned fatal. He was initially handed an eight-year prison term, with two years suspended for five years, leaving him with an effective six-year sentence.
According to a statement from the National Prosecuting Authority of Zimbabwe (NPAZ), the incident occurred on November 17, 2024, when Sithole confronted his 24-year-old neighbour at his homestead, demanding repayment of the small debt.
The victim, however, only had a 100 Rand note, and neither party had change. Sithole left the scene but later returned at around 7 PM—this time armed with a machete.
Without warning, he struck the victim on the forehead, inflicting a deep cut and leaving him bleeding heavily.
The case adds to growing concern over a rising trend of violent attacks in Zimbabwe linked to personal debt disputes. Authorities have called for calm and encouraged citizens to seek peaceful and legal means of resolving financial disagreements.
The NPAZ reiterated that acts of violence, regardless of the amount of money involved, will be met with the full force of the law.
Vengai Sithole, of Mbuyanehanda "B" Village under Chief Garahwa, was sentenced by the Chipinge Magistrates' Court following a violent dispute that nearly turned fatal. He was initially handed an eight-year prison term, with two years suspended for five years, leaving him with an effective six-year sentence.
According to a statement from the National Prosecuting Authority of Zimbabwe (NPAZ), the incident occurred on November 17, 2024, when Sithole confronted his 24-year-old neighbour at his homestead, demanding repayment of the small debt.
The victim, however, only had a 100 Rand note, and neither party had change. Sithole left the scene but later returned at around 7 PM—this time armed with a machete.
Without warning, he struck the victim on the forehead, inflicting a deep cut and leaving him bleeding heavily.
The case adds to growing concern over a rising trend of violent attacks in Zimbabwe linked to personal debt disputes. Authorities have called for calm and encouraged citizens to seek peaceful and legal means of resolving financial disagreements.
The NPAZ reiterated that acts of violence, regardless of the amount of money involved, will be met with the full force of the law.
Source - zimpapers
