Online Reporter
Danisa Masuku [email protected]
A Bulawayo man, who in a fit of rage assaulted his wife over domestic disputes, has been ordered to pay a US$100 fine, failure to which he will be jailed for three months.
Sikhulumeli Kole (44) appeared on Wednesday for sentencing before Bulawayo magistrate Mr Golden Muyambo, who ordered him to pay the US$100 fine or face three months behind bars. In addition, a four-month prison sentence was suspended on condition that he does not commit a similar offence within the next five years.
In sentencing him, the magistrate noted that cases of domestic violence are prevalent in society and warned Kole against assaulting his wife, branding such men as ‘barbaric’.
“Such behaviour is barbaric. If you are involved in a dispute with your wife, it is wiser to engage third parties like pastors or a trusted member of the family than to take the law into your own hands,” he said.
Prosecuting, Ms Sibusisiwe Sithole said on 11 April 2026, at around 10 am, a heated argument erupted between Kole and his wife, Thenjiwe Dube (43), an employee of the Bulawayo City Council.
“Kole aggressively confronted his wife, demanding to know why she was still in possession of an agreement of sale document. The confrontation quickly turned physical when Kole dragged Dube into a passage.
“He then repeatedly assaulted her all over her body using his fists and a mop,” she told the court.
Dube was later medically examined, and a medical report detailing her injuries was submitted to the court.
Barely two weeks later, on 27 April 2026 at around 6 am, Kole attacked his wife again.
The incident occurred as Dube was preparing to leave for work. When she took the car keys, Kole grabbed her tightly by the collar and bit her on her right wrist to prevent her from driving away.
