Crimes and Courts
GWERU – A 19-year-old man has been sentenced to an effective six years in prison after stabbing a passerby who refused to give him a cigarette, in a violent incident that has shocked the Lalapanzi community.
Nation Muyashu appeared before the Gweru Magistrates Court on Monday facing charges of attempted murder. He was sentenced to nine years in jail, with three years suspended on condition of good behaviour, leaving him with an effective six-year prison term.
The court heard that on July 16, 2025, in the Mahamara area of Lalapanzi, Muyashu was walking with his girlfriend when he approached Simon Ngazimbi and asked for a cigarette. When Ngazimbi refused, an argument broke out, which quickly escalated into violence.
In a fit of rage, Muyashu drew a knife and stabbed Ngazimbi once in the abdomen, causing his intestines to protrude. The victim collapsed and lost consciousness on the scene.
The National Prosecuting Authority of Zimbabwe (NPAZ) strongly condemned the attack, urging the public to reject senseless violence.
“It’s a sobering fact that a significant number of murder cases originate from seemingly meaningless altercations,” the NPAZ said in a statement.
“We advise individuals to seek third-party mediation as a constructive alternative to violence.”
Magistrate Sheila Nazombe emphasized the severity of the crime, stating,
“The court has a duty to protect society and send a clear message that such violent behaviour will not be tolerated, especially over such trivial matters.”
The sentence serves as a stark warning against resorting to violence to resolve disputes.
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