A Mazowe man has been sentenced to an effective four years in prison after dousing a female food vendor with petrol and setting her alight in a dispute over change for a plate of sadza.
Kudakwashe Nyeverai, 32, of Jumbo Mine in Mazowe, was convicted of attempted murder by the Bindura Regional Magistrates' Court.
The court handed down a five-year sentence but suspended one year on condition of good behaviour, leaving him to serve four years behind bars.
The horrific attack occurred on March 27, 2026, at approximately 11:00 AM in Chiweshe Village, Mazowe.
According to the National Prosecuting Authority of Zimbabwe (NPAZ), the 25-year-old victim was operating her food stall in the Chitungwiza Area of the village when Nyeverai approached and ordered a plate of sadza.
The statement reveals that Nyeverai paid US$1 for the first serving but was asked to pay upfront when he requested a second plate.
An argument over change quickly spiraled out of control.
- NPAZ exposes govt falsehoods peddled at ACHPR
- High Court reinstates Buyanga arrest warrant
- Mwonzora in court for threatening to shoot ex-employee
- Looters hide US$1,4m chopper in Zim
Keep Reading
In a violent outburst, Nyeverai poured petrol from a two-litre container onto the victim's head and face.
At the time, she was cooking near an open fire.
She immediately caught fire and sustained severe burns across her head and face.
She was later examined and treated for her injuries.
"The justice system will continue to firmly deal with violent offenders whose reckless actions place innocent lives at risk," the authority said.
Nyeverai has since begun serving his sentence at a local correctional facility.
