A 32-year-old Mazowe man has been sentenced to an effective four years in prison after pouring petrol on a food vendor during a dispute over change, causing her to catch fire and suffer serious burns.
Kudakwashe Nyeverai, of Jumbo Mine in Mazowe, was convicted of attempted murder by the Bindura Regional Magistrates' Court following the March 27, 2026 attack.
He was sentenced to five years in prison, with one year suspended on condition of good behaviour, leaving him to serve an effective four-year jail term.
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The court heard that the 25-year-old victim was operating a food vending business in Chiweshe Village, Mazowe, when the incident occurred at around 11am.
Nyeverai had reportedly purchased a plate of sadza for US$1 before requesting an additional serving. When the vendor asked him to pay before receiving more food, a disagreement arose over change.
In a fit of anger, Nyeverai allegedly took petrol from a two-litre container and poured it over the woman's head and face while she was preparing food near an open cooking stove.
The petrol ignited, causing the victim to catch fire and sustain severe burns to her head and face.
She was rushed for medical treatment and later underwent a medical examination to assess the extent of her injuries.
The court found Nyeverai guilty of attempted murder and imposed the custodial sentence, citing the seriousness of the offence and the life-threatening injuries suffered by the victim.
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