‘‘Make your daughter marry me or I will kill you!’’ Man threatens prospective father in-law

Sunday, October 20, 2024 -A 34-year-old man from Gamba Village in Hwange has been fined $150 after threatening to k!ll a fellow villager who refused his demand to marry off his daughter.

The accused, identified as Irvine Shoko, appeared before the Hwange Magistrates Court on charges of issuing death threats and being in possession of a prohibited weapon.

Shoko was given the option to pay the fine or face a three-month prison sentence. Additionally, the court imposed a three-month suspended sentence, which will remain in effect for five years. If Shoko commits a similar offence during this period, the suspended sentence will be enforced 

The court was informed that the incident occurred on the night of June 6 at around 10 p.m., when Shoko approached the homestead of fellow villager Possent Nyathi. Shoko demanded Nyathi’s daughter in marriage, but Nyathi declined the request, leading to an angry confrontation. Shoko allegedly responded by threatening to kill Nyathi, prompting him to report the matter to the police.

 When Shoko was apprehended, authorities found him carrying an okapi knife, a prohibited weapon under Zimbabwean law. His threats, combined with the illegal possession of the weapon, led to his conviction.

The National Prosecuting Authority emphasized the seriousness of Shoko's actions. The court expressed hope that the sentence would serve as a deterrent, preventing future criminal behaviour of this nature.