Passerby bites off builder's lip for greeting him

A man from Chirundu, Mashonaland West, has been sentenced to 18 months in prison after biting off another man's lower lip following a simple greeting.

Joel Kwenda appeared before the Karoi Magistrates' Court on assault charges and was convicted of the offense. The court handed down a sentence of 18 months imprisonment, with nine months suspended on condition of good behavior for five years. The remaining nine months were suspended pending the completion of community service.

According to the prosecution, the incident occurred on June 1, 2025, at around 10 a.m. near the Roman Catholic Church in Chirundu. The victim was plastering a house when Kwenda walked past the site.

The victim greeted Kwenda, who responded curtly, telling him he did not want to befriend him. The victim initially thought Kwenda was joking, but the situation quickly escalated.

Kwenda became angry, began chasing the victim, and assaulted him with clenched fists. In a shocking turn, Kwenda then bit the victim's lower lip, tearing off a chunk of flesh.

The court found Kwenda guilty of assault and delivered the sentence accordingly.