Fort Rixon Man Jailed for Three Years Over Brutal Machete Attack on Cousin

Xolani Moyo was found guilty of attempted murder by Bulawayo regional magistrate Mathew Mutiro and initially sentenced to four years' imprisonment. However, one year was suspended for five years on condition of good behaviour, leaving him with an effective prison term of three years.

During sentencing, Magistrate Mutiro expressed concern over violent crimes involving dangerous weapons, stressing that the courts had a responsibility to safeguard members of the public from such attacks.

He noted that attempted murder cases in the Fort Rixon area were a growing concern and said serious action was necessary to protect innocent people.

The prosecutor, Owen Mugari, had urged the court to impose a deterrent sentence, arguing that the seriousness of the assault and the weapons involved demonstrated the danger posed to the victim.

The court heard that the incident occurred on 10 September at approximately 9 pm at Inyozane Business Centre.

The complainant, Qinisani Mathe, was at the business centre when Moyo approached him and questioned why he had allegedly slept in his bedroom while he was away.

The confrontation reportedly escalated after Moyo enlisted the assistance of another man identified only as Junior, who has not yet been arrested.

The two allegedly attacked Mathe using a machete, a knobkerrie and a beer bottle, striking him repeatedly across different parts of his body.

The assault left the victim with injuries, including cuts to his head and bruises across his body.

He was subsequently taken to United Bulawayo Hospitals for medical attention.

Following the court proceedings, Moyo was handed an effective three-year prison sentence for the attempted murder offence.

Source: The Herald