Mvuma Man Gets 9 Years After Torching Neighbour’s Hut in Chicken Feud
GWERU – A domestic dispute over chickens escalated into a life-threatening act of arson in Mvuma, leaving a woman and her four children trapped inside a burning hut.
The incident, which occurred on the night of August 17, 2025, resulted in the conviction of 25-year-old Simbarashe Mafeta of Huchu Village 72, who was sentenced to nine years in prison by Gweru Regional Magistrate Christopher Maturure.
Mafeta was found guilty of attempted murder but will serve an effective seven years behind bars.
One year of the sentence was suspended on condition of good behaviour, while another will be waived if he pays US$2,000 in restitution to the complainant, Ella Nyarai Vambe, whose property was destroyed in the fire.
According to Prosecutor Monica Mugwena, Mafeta stormed Vambe’s homestead around 8pm, accusing her of allowing her dog to kill his chickens.
Vambe, who was asleep inside her hut with four minors, refused to come out when Mafeta demanded an explanation.
“When the complainant refused, Mafeta set the hut on fire before retreating to his homestead,” Mugwena told the court.
The flames quickly engulfed the hut, trapping the family inside.
Their cries for help alerted nearby villagers, who rushed to the scene and managed to rescue them.
Household goods and personal belongings worth US$2,000 were lost in the blaze.
Midweek Watch reported that Magistrate Maturure condemned Mafeta’s actions as “reckless and life-threatening,” stressing that the offence endangered innocent lives and destroyed valuable property.
The ruling sends a strong message against violent retaliation and highlights the importance of resolving disputes through lawful means.
