Mvuma Man Sets Hut on Fire With Family Inside Over Missing Chickens
A man from Mvuma has been handed a seven-year jail term after he torched a family’s hut in a vengeful attack over missing chickens.
The blaze nearly claimed the lives of a mother and her four young children, who were trapped inside when the fire was started.
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Family Narrowly Escapes Death After Dispute Over Chickens Turns Violent
The disturbing incident unfolded on 17 August 2025 in Village 72, Huchu.
According to the National Prosecuting Authority of Zimbabwe (NPAZ), Simbarashe Mafeta confronted the victim at around 8PM, accusing her of allowing her dog to eat his chickens.
When the woman, aged 38, refused to come outside, Mafeta turned violent.
“The offender proceeded to set fire to the hut while the family was inside,” the NPAZ said in a statement.
As flames spread rapidly, the mother and her children — aged between five and 10 — screamed for help.
Neighbors rushed to the scene and managed to rescue the family just in time, preventing what could have been a tragic loss of life.
Property Destroyed, Family Left Homeless
The blaze reduced property worth US$2 000 to ashes, leaving the family with nothing but the clothes they were wearing. Mafeta was arrested soon after and brought before the Gweru Magistrates’ Court.
He was convicted of attempted murder and malicious damage to property, and handed a nine-year sentence, with two years suspended on condition of good behavior. He will serve seven years effectively and was ordered to pay US$2 000 in restitution.
NPAZ Condemns Violence Over Minor Disputes
The NPAZ described the case as a chilling reminder of how minor disagreements can spiral into violence.
“It’s a sobering fact that a significant number of murder cases originate from seemingly meaningless altercations. We urge individuals to seek third-party mediation as a constructive alternative to violence,” the statement read.
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The post Mvuma Man Sets Hut on Fire With Family Inside Over Missing Chickens appeared first on iHarare News.
