Cow Bell Row Sparks 10-Month Jail Term for Chegutu Attacker
CHEGUTU – A 24-year-old man has been jailed after he went on a machete rampage over a cow bell dispute at Thornby Farm, injuring four people in a broad daylight attack on 12 July 2025.
The accused, Eddison Pennias, appeared before the Chegutu Magistrates’ Court and pleaded guilty to four counts of assault.
According to the National Prosecuting Authority of Zimbabwe (NPAZ), Pennias arrived at Spiwe Kuwedowo’s residence while armed with a machete and aggressively demanded the bell from his cow.
When Kuwedowo questioned the weapon, he immediately struck her with it.
Her screams alerted three neighbours — Peter Kuwedowo, Givemore Sibanda, and Gloria Mufudza who rushed to help but were met with the same brutality.
Pennias struck Peter on the right arm, injured Givemore’s right hand, and wounded Gloria on both legs.
Spiwe suffered injuries to her left hand and buttocks.
Nearby residents intervened and managed to overpower Pennias, escorting him to the Chegutu Police Station.
The court sentenced him to 15 months’ imprisonment, with five months suspended for five years on condition of good behaviour. He will serve a 10-month effective custodial term.
The attack has triggered renewed concern over machete-related violence in farming communities.
Authorities continue urging members of the public to report threats early and help prevent such incidents from escalating into life-threatening assaults.
