Mathew Masinge
A 29-year-old drug addict and tout, who stabbed his brother to death after stealing two cellphones, has been jailed for 29 years.
Tinashe Mazemo was convicted of murder by High Court judge, Justice Esther Muremba.
Tinashe was found guilty of stabbing his brother, Nomore, with a kitchen knife, following a misunderstanding with family members over two missing cellphones, belonging to his mother and brother.
During the fracas, which happened in July last year, Tinashe chased his parents, Garikai Mazemo and Ranganai Guma, out of their Eastview, Harare, house.
Tinashe claimed he had sold one of the cellphones, and intentionally broke the other and accidentally stabbed his brother.
When his family confronted him, he turned violent and grabbed his father by the collar, and attacked his mother with a catapult.
His parents spent the night at Nomore’s house.
The following morning, Tinashe, who appeared intoxicated, was involved in a scuffle with Nomore, and stabbed him, leading to his death.
In her findings, Justice Muremba said Tinashe showed no remorse and failed to take full responsibility for his actions.
“Tinashe became violent when he was being questioned about the two cellphones.
“He senselessly killed his blood brother; the deceased had not done anything wrong to him.
“He showed no remorse throughout the trial, he deserves a stiffer penalty. Hopefully he will be rehabilitated by the time he gets out of prison.
“Accused will thus be sentenced to 29 years’ imprisonment.”