By Takudziridzwa Nyama
Four men from Hwange have been convicted of assault following a violent incident at Chief Pashu’s homestead in Binga.
Emmanuel Mumpande (34), Taziba Mumpande (25), Luyezho Sibanda (29), and Nyasha Magedhi (20) faced charges after they assaulted four individuals on May 1, 2025, during a dispute over allegations of witchcraft.
The incident occurred during a hearing at the chief’s homestead, where the accused believed the victims supported a villager accused of witchcraft.
Emmanuel Mumpande allegedly struck the first victim with a clenched fist on the forehead, prompting the others to join in. The assault involved multiple blows delivered with fists, open hands, and booted feet, causing injuries to the victims.
One victim managed to escape and reported the matter to the police.
The Hwange Magistrate’s Court convicted all four men on four counts of assault, which were consolidated into a single charge.
They were sentenced to 12 months in prison, with four months suspended on the condition that each offender completes 280 hours of community service.
The National Prosecuting Authority of Zimbabwe (NPAZ) has condemned the violence, urging members of the public to resolve disputes peacefully and avoid resorting to violence.