Man jailed 10 years for double attempted murder

Tendai GukutikwaPost Reporter A CHIPINGE magistrate has sentenced 43-year-old Daniel Zikuzo Maphosa to 10 years in prison for violently stabbing two people during a confrontation at a local food outlet. Maphosa was convicted on two counts of attempted murder, which falls under Section 189 as read with Section 47 of the Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Act [Chapter 9:23]. However, three years of his sentence were suspended for five years on condition of good behaviour, leaving him to serve an effective seven years.

Court proceedings led by public prosecutor Mr Isaac Tangwena show that the incident occurred on July 9, 2025 at Chako Business Centre, when Maphosa got into an argument with the two victims, aged 22 and 24, at a food outlet. The altercation quickly escalated, and Maphosa drew an okapi knife, stabbing one victim in the chest and the other in the back. “The victims sustained serious injuries and were rushed to a nearby medical facility, where they received emergency treatment.

A police report was swiftly filed, leading to Maphosa’s arrest,” said Mr Tangwena. Chipinge magistrate Mr Bishard Chineka presided over the matter, handing down the sentence. In his ruling, Mr Chineka expressed strong disapproval of Maphosa’s actions, emphasizing that such disregard for human life would not be tolerated in a civilized society.

“This court will not turn a blind eye to such reckless behaviour that endangers lives. The use of a knife to settle disputes is not only barbaric but unacceptable,” he said, taking cognisance of the severity of the offence, degree of force used, the injuries sustained by the victims, and the fact that the offence was committed in a public setting. While treating both counts of attempted murder as one for sentencing purposes, the court recognized the gravity of stabbing two individuals in quick succession, warranting a custodial sentence to deter would-be offenders.

“The fact that you stabbed not one, but two individuals in a single episode of violence, speaks to a level of aggression that cannot be excused. A custodial sentence is not only appropriate, but necessary, to send a strong message to society, that such lawlessness will not go unpunished, and others contemplating similar acts must be deterred,” said Chineka. The magistrate also acknowledged the victims’ ongoing struggle with the psychological aftermath of the attack, despite their physical recovery.“The victims sustained serious injuries and were rushed to a nearby medical facility, where they received emergency treatment.

A police report was swiftly filed, leading to Maphosa’s arrest,” said Tangwena. In his ruling, Chineka expressed strong condemnation of the violent conduct, emphasising that such disregard for human life could not be tolerated in a civilised society. “This court will not turn a blind eye to such reckless behaviour that endangers lives.

The use of a knife to settle disputes is not only barbaric but unacceptable. A clear message must be sent to the community that violence will be met with stern punishment,” said Chineka. He added that the court took into account the severity of the offence, the degree of force used, the injuries sustained by the victims, and the fact that the offence was committed in a public setting.

The court also noted that while both counts of attempted murder were treated as one for sentencing purposes, the gravity of stabbing two individuals in quick succession warranted a custodial sentence that would deter other would-be offenders. “The fact that you stabbed not one, but two individuals in a single episode of violence, speaks to a level of aggression that cannot be excused. A custodial sentence is not only appropriate but necessary to send a strong message to society, that such lawlessness will not go unpunished, and others contemplating similar acts must be deterred,” said Chineka.

He also said the victims, though now in recovery, are still dealing with the psychological aftermath of the attack.Share on FacebookPost on XFollow usSave

Originally published on Zimbabwe Herald

Source: Zimbabwe Herald