MAN STABS TWO PEOPLE, GETS 10-YEAR JAIL TERM

A 43-YEAR-OLD man from Chipinge, who violently stabbed two people during a confrontation at a local food outlet, has been slapped with a 10-year jail term by a Chipinge magistrate.

Daniel Zikuzo Maphosa was convicted on two counts of attempted murder charges.

He will, however, serve an effective seven years after the court suspended three years for five years on condition of good behaviour.

Maphosa attacked the two men, aged 22 and 24, with an okapi during a heated altercation at Chako Business Centre on July 9.

Chipinge magistrate, Bishard Chineka, presided over the matter.

Public prosecutor, Isaac Tangwena, said the incident occurred at a food outlet when Maphosa and the two men were involved in an argument.

Tensions escalated quickly and Maphosa drew an okapi knife, stabbing one of the victims in the chest and the other in the back.

“The victims sustained serious injuries and were rushed to a nearby medical facility, where they received emergency treatment.

“A police report was swiftly filed, leading to Maphosa’s arrest,” said Tangwena.

In his ruling, magistrate Chineka said:

“This court will not turn a blind eye to such reckless behaviour that endangers lives.

“The use of a knife to settle disputes is not only barbaric but unacceptable.

“A clear message must be sent to the community that violence will be met with stern punishment.”

He added that the court took into account the severity of the offence, the degree of force used, the injuries sustained by the victims, and the fact that the offence was committed in a public setting.

The court also noted that while both counts of attempted murder were treated as one for sentencing purposes, the gravity of stabbing two individuals, in quick succession, warranted a custodial sentence that would deter other would-be offenders.

“The fact that you stabbed not one but two individuals, in a single episode of violence, speaks to a level of aggression that cannot be excused. A custodial sentence is not only appropriate but necessary to send a strong message to society, that such lawlessness will not go unpunished, and others contemplating similar acts must be deterred,” said Chineka.

He said the victims, though now in recovery, were still dealing with the psychological aftermath of the attack.

H-metro