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Midlands Reporter
A 28-year-old gold miner from Shurugwi has been jailed five years for stabbing a villager with an okapi knife in a misunderstanding over the sharing of traditional beer during a communal work project.

Elton Munyariwa of Chigumbu Village under Chief Nhema in Shurugwi appeared before Gweru regional magistrate Mrs Phathekile Msipa facing charges of attempted murder.

Munyariwa was convicted after full trial despite pleading not guilty.

Passing sentence, Mrs Msipa condemned Munyariwa’s violent actions saying he was a danger to society.

She said witnesses told the court that Munyariwa had stabbed three people, including the complaint that day over traditional beer, adding that his actions warranted a custodial sentence.

“Your actions were unwarranted as you disturbed the other villagers who were enjoying their beer and your actions put the complainant`s life at risk. You stabbed two other people and, therefore, you deserve a custodial sentence. You are sentenced to six years in prison of which one year is suspended on condition of good behaviour,” said Mrs Msipa.

It was the State case that on June 10 last year, Munyariwa was part of villagers who were attending a communal collaboration ceremony, which was held at Mahachi homestead.

The court heard that Munyariwa had a confrontation with the complainant, Justice Chingwere, whom he accused of taking part in the drinking of traditional beer when he had not taken part in some communal work during the gathering.

During the heated confrontation, Munyariwa drew an okapi knife from his pocket and stabbed Chingwere several times on the stomach.

Fellow villagers who were present referred Chingwere to Shurugwi General Hospital where he was treated.

The matter was reported to the police, leading to his arrest.

The other two villagers allegedly stabbed by Munyariwa did not report him to the police. Mr Kelvin Guveya appeared for the State.