In a shocking incident, a 46-year-old man from Gweru, Joseph McCarthy, caused the destruction of two houses over a joke.
The Gweru Magistrates’ Court recently sentenced McCarthy to 10 years in prison for ass@ult and malicious damage to property.
The court learned that on April 17th, McCarthy and Rodreck Munyanyiwa, the complainant’s brother, were having drinks at Woodlands Shops in Gweru. During their gathering, Rodreck made a joke that did not sit well with McCarthy. Subsequently, Rodreck left the scene and returned home.
Driven by anger, McCarthy went to Munyaradzi Munyanyiwa’s residence in search of Rodreck but did not find him. In a fit of rage, McCarthy attack3d Munyaradzi, causing an eye !njury. However, Munyaradzi managed to escape, leaving McCarthy in his room. It was then that McCarthy set fire to Munyaradzi’s blanket which destroyed the room.
The fire spread to the neighbouring house, belonging to Rebecca Nyathi, and razed the entire 13-room property. Realizing the severity of the situation, McCarthy fled the scene. He confessed his actions to a security guard as he passed through Woodlands Phase 1 Shops. Munyaradzi Munyanyiwa and his neighbours apprehended McCarthy and handed him over to the police.
The estimated value of the damaged property amounts to US$22,415. McCarthy received a 10-year prison sentence, with 3 years suspended. Additionally, 4 years were suspended on the condition that he pay restitution of USD21,000 to Rebecca Nyathi, and 1 year was suspended on the condition of restitution of USD755 to Munyaradzi Munyanyiwa. Ultimately, McCarthy will serve an effective term of 2 years behind bars.
Source iHarare
