Hwange Man Threatens To Kill Man For Refusing Demand To Marry Off His Daughter

A 34-year-old man from Gamba Village in Hwange has been fined $150 after he threatens to kill a fellow villager who declined his demand to marry off his daughter. The man, identified as Irvine Shoko, was brought before the Hwange Magistrates Court on charges of issuing death threats and having illegal weapons.

Shoko was ordered by the court to pay the fine or face a three-month prison sentence. In addition to the fine, the court imposed a three-month suspended sentence, which will remain in effect for five years. Should Shoko commit a similar offence within this period, he must serve this additional sentence.

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Details of incident: Man threatens to kill older man

The court heard that on the night of June 6, at around 10 p.m., Shoko approached the homestead of Possent Nyathi. Shoko demanded Nyathi’s daughter in marriage. However, Nyathi informed him that his daughter was already married to someone else. Nyathi told Shoko he could not marry his daughter as she was already married.

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This further infuriated Shoko, who could not handle the rejection. Shoko allegedly threatened to kill Nyathi, leading Nyathi to report the threat to the authorities immediately.

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When police arrested Shoko, they discovered that he was carrying an okapi knife, which is classified as a prohibited weapon under Zimbabwean law. The possession of this knife, coupled with the death threats, led to his conviction in court.

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Prosecutor’s Statement

According to the National Prosecuting Authority, Shoko’s threats, combined with the illegal possession of the knife, were severe enough to warrant a conviction. The court hopes that the imposed sentence will act as a deterrent, preventing Shoko from engaging in similar criminal behaviour.