Selous Man Jailed for Torching Neighbour’s Hut Over US$2 Dispute

By Staff Reporter

A 36-year-old man from Selous has been sentenced to prison after allegedly setting his neighbour’s hut on fire following a dispute over just US$2.

According to court proceedings, Ali Munyambwana got into an argument with the complainant at a shop within the Selous Tobacco Farm compound on 3 April 2026. What began as a minor disagreement quickly escalated into a criminal act.

Prosecutors told the court that after the altercation, Munyambwana allegedly went to the victim’s homestead and deliberately set a thatched hut ablaze in full view of a nearby witness.

The fire destroyed the hut and several household items, including a work suit, safety shoes and 5kg of beans, leaving the victim counting significant losses.

The matter was later reported to police, leading to Munyambwana’s arrest.

He was initially sentenced to three years in prison. However, the court suspended six months on condition that he pays restitution to the complainant. A further six months were also suspended on condition of good behaviour, effectively leaving him to serve two years behind bars.