When Brotherly Love Fails: Two Brothers Sentenced to 9 Years for Killing Sibling’s Ox at Funeral
Two Zimbabwean siblings have been sentenced to nine years in prison for slaughtering their brother’s ox during a funeral without his consent. The funeral was for one of their siblings.
A Family Dispute Turned Sour
Rassson Hove, 38, and Moses Mudzingwa, 31, both from Mangunye Village, were attending a funeral at their brother’s homestead on 10 November when the incident occurred.
The National Prosecuting Authority of Zimbabwe (NPAZ) described the events in a post on X (formerly Twitter). “Hove and Mudzingwa accused their brother of bewitching the deceased sibling,” the NPAZ stated. The accusation led to a heated argument.
The complainant, feeling threatened, fled his homestead. According to the NPAZ, “Hove and Mudzingwa unlawfully entered the complainant’s kraal and slaughtered one of his oxen.”
Meat for the Funeral
The slaughtered ox, valued at US$500, was partly cooked and served to mourners at the funeral. The remainder of the meat was left in the complainant’s bedroom.
Local media outlet New Ziana reported that the brothers’ actions were without the complainant’s permission. “The owner of the ox was not consulted and discovered the slaughter after returning home,” the report detailed.
Justice Delivered
The case was heard at the Gweru Magistrates’ Court, where both men received a sentence of 10 years in prison. However, the court suspended one year of their sentence on the condition that they pay US$500 compensation to their brother. Each sibling is required to contribute US$250 towards the payment.
“This should serve as a deterrent to others,” a court official commented. “Families need to resolve disputes amicably and avoid such drastic actions.”
The bizarre turn of events shocked many in the village, with some locals reportedly sympathising with the complainant. Others expressed disbelief at how a funeral dispute could escalate to such an extent.
What are your thoughts on this unusual case?
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