A Bindura man is behind bars after being convicted of attempting to murder his mother-in-law, while in Beitbridge, a festive gathering descended into violence, leaving one man fighting for his life after a vicious knife attack.
Brian Mawadza (49) of Chihuri compound in Bindura, has been sentenced to five years in prison for attempting to kill his mother-in-law, Mercy Mupfuudza (59). Bindura regional magistrate Sandra Mapindu handed down the sentence on Friday, sending a strong message that such violent acts will not be tolerated.
The magistrate conditionally suspended one year on condition of good behaviour.
Prosecutor Edward Katsvairo presented the details of the case, telling the court that on January 1, Mawadza went to his mother-in-law’s residence demanding to know the whereabouts of his wife, who had left their home without informing him.
Mupfuudza told Mawadza that her daughter had not come to her place of residence.
He became violent and assaulted his mother in-law with a wooden log on the head and she collapsed.
The brutal attack left Mupfuudza unconscious after being struck on the head. She was quickly assisted by neighbours and rushed to Bindura Hospital, where she received medical treatment for her injuries.
In court, Mawadza was found guilty of attempting to kill Mupfuudza through his violent actions. The magistrate expressed the gravity of the assault and noted that such behaviour would not be tolerated.
Mupfuudza is currently recovering from her injuries, while Mawadza now faces the consequences of his actions. The case serves as a stark reminder that violent behaviour, particularly within family settings, has severe legal repercussions.
Beitbridge Brawl Turns Bloody
Meanwhile, in Madaulo under Chief Matibe, a festive gathering turned into a scene of bloodshed when two men allegedly launched a vicious knife attack during the early hours of 31 March 2025 — leaving one man hospitalised and fighting for his life.
According to the National Prosecuting Authority of Zimbabwe (NPAZ), Walter Mbedzi (20) and Bildard Sibanda (26) now face attempted murder charges after the violent altercation erupted at what was supposed to be a celebration.
The chaos began when Mbedzi allegedly assaulted Edwin Moyo, the younger brother of the complainant William Moyo (33). Things quickly spiralled into a full-blown fistfight involving other revellers.
But fists turned to blades, with Mbedzi accused of stabbing William in the chest, and Sibanda allegedly slashing his right arm. The victim suffered serious injuries and was rushed to Beitbridge District Hospital. He was briefly discharged, only to be readmitted the next day due to complications.
The matter has been remanded to 10 April 2025, while William remains in hospital, and tensions in the community simmer.
The NPAZ warned the public about the dangers of violence at social gatherings:
“Disputes must be resolved peacefully. Carrying weapons to public events puts lives at risk,” reads the official statement.
