MASVINGO- A 61-year-old man from Gutu, Masvingo Province been sentenced to 36 months with 16 months suspended for five years, after assaulting a 23-year-old man during a dispute.
Hebert Magombedze appeared before Magistrate Innocent Bepura and 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 used for a village head, which angered him and sparked a heated exchange.
Magombedze struck Mberikunashe in the eye before pursuing him as he tried to leave.
He later confronted him again on his way home and stabbed him once in the left rib, causing a deep wound to the chest.
Despite his injuries, Mberikunashe reported the matter to the police three days later. A medical report confirmed the extent of the injuries, leading to Magombedze’s arrest.
Prosecutor Nixon Chamisa highlighted the seriousness of the attack and the harm caused to the complainant.
Magistrate Bepura imposed a 36-month sentence, suspending 16 months on condition of good behaviour.
