Sharon Chigeza

MUTARE– A 43-year-old man, Daniel Zikuzo Maphosa, has been sentenced to an effective seven years in prison by the Chipinge Magistrates’ Court after being convicted on two counts of attempted murder.

The incident occurred on July 9, 2025 at a food outlet in Chako Business Centre, Chipinge, where Maphosa stabbed two men aged 22 and 21 with an okapi knife following a dispute. The victims sustained stab wounds to the chest and back, respectively. Police were alerted, leading to Maphosa’s arrest.

In sentencing, the court treated both counts as one, handing down a 10-year prison term, with three years suspended for five years on condition of good behaviour. This leaves Maphosa to serve an effective seven-year sentence.

The National Prosecuting Authority of Zimbabwe (NPAZ) has condemned the violence, urging the public to avoid physical confrontations and seek mediation instead.

“Many murder cases stem from petty arguments. We encourage peaceful conflict resolution to prevent such tragedies,” the NPAZ stated.