Crucifier Chemhere jailed 18 months

By Innocent Ruwende

THE Harare businessman who nailed together the hands of a homeless 19-year-old man with a six-inch nail after he failed to settle a US$250 debt has been slapped with an effective 18-month jail term.

The prosecution pushed hard for a custodial sentence to be slapped on Munyaradzi Chemhere (34), saying the State had not heard of such a callous act since the time of Jesus crucifixion.

Chemhere pleaded guilty to assault when he appeared before magistrate Mr Don Ndirowei and was sentenced to 24 months imprisonment, but six were set aside for three years on condition of good behaviour.

In pleading for leniency, Chemhere said he was a family man and a first offender who was willing to help the complainant.

“Have mercy on me Your Worship, I am the sole breadwinner of my family. I also want to go out and settle my debts with other business associates. I would also want to continue taking care of the complainant,” he said.

Chemhere said sending him to jail would result in his business crumbling and his family plunging into abject poverty.

But prosecutor Ms Media Chikosi implored the court to pass a custodial sentence, arguing that community service or a fine would trivialise the offence.

“This is a novel case which has sent shock waves across the country. The only time we hear about crucification was when Jesus was crucified for peoples sins.

“The State is wondering whose sins the complainant was being crucified for. Your Worship, this offence was committed in a heartless manner,” she submitted.

Agreed facts are that Chemhere gave Naison Teko a five-in-one home theatre and a two-plate stove to sell sometime this year. Chemhere runs an electrical appliances shop at the Gulf Complex.

Teko sold the goods but did not surrender the US$250 to Chemhere. Chemhere sent Teko’s street friends to look for him. They found him last Friday along Chinhoyi Street, tied his hands and took him to the businessman’s shop.

When Chemhere demanded his money, Teko said he had spent it. It was at this point that Chemhere decided to “crucify” Teko. He nailed Teko’s hands together with a six-inch nail after which a police report was made leading to Chemhere’s arrest. The Herald

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