dyton mupawaendaThe Herald, December 13, 1980
A MARANDELLAS farm crop guard whose wife died a day after he severely beat her was yesterday jailed for four months by Mr Stanley Stainer at the Regional Court in Salisbury.
Frederick Munda pleaded guilty to culpable homicide following the death of his wife, Rena, on February 9.
Agreed facts were that the couple had argued after returning to their home at Buckleigh Farm from a beer-drink.
Munda set about his wife with a sjambok before a neighbour, Mr Noah Gunda, intervened. Munda then hit her across the back with a knobkerrie. Mrs Munda fell and hit her head on the ground.
The weapon was taken away from Munda and his wife went to bed. The following day Mrs Munda was found dead in bed.
Mr Stainer sentenced him to 12 months imprisonment with labour, conditionally suspending eight months.
Mr Stainer said he took into account the fact that Munda had given seven cattle and $120 in compensation to his wife’s parents for causing her death.
He also took into account that the death of Mrs Munda was “punishment in itself” for the accused.
Mr Patrick Kennan appeared for the State.
LESSONS FOR TODAY
Beating up a spouse following an argument is never the solution. Most of the time, it actually does more harm than good. In this case it led to someone’s unnecessary death.
Couples need to resolve their differences amicably in a sensible and peaceful manner and in instances where they can not find each other, they can ask for assistance from friends or relatives, who can act as mediators.
Alcohol impairs judgment and can also prompt people to act irrationally. People should try as much as possible to desist from getting into arguments when intoxicated because most people often regret the actions they take when they are drunk.
As the nation commemorates the annual event – 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence – important lessons in resolving GBV can be drawn from this historical piece.
Online Reporter