Five members of the Kambarami family have been sentenced for assault following a violent altercation stemming from a witchcraft accusation. The incident took place on August 9, 2024, at Kambarami village, Nyanga, and the family members appeared before the Nyanga Magistrates’ Court for sentencing.
The court heard that the confrontation began during a family meeting when the first accused, Zvaiteyi Kambarami (42), accused the complainant of practicing witchcraft. The complainant denied the allegations, which led to a heated misunderstanding. Zvaiteyi Kambarami allegedly picked up a wooden log and hit the complainant on the arms and back.
The four other accused—Shepherd Kambarami (27), Willing Kambarami (32), Takudzwa Kambarami (22), and Kenneth Kambarami (35)—joined in by kicking, slapping, and assaulting the complainant. The complainant suffered visible injuries, and the assailants were subsequently restrained from further assault.
During sentencing, Zvaiteyi Kambarami was given six months’ imprisonment after pleading guilty. However, two months of the sentence were suspended for five years, leaving him to serve four months in jail. The remaining four accused family members each received nine-month sentences, with three months suspended for five years. They will each serve six months in prison.
