Binga man jailed for attempting to kill wife

Fairness Moyana

A 62-YEAR-OLD Binga man has been sentenced to an effective two years in prison after he attempted to kill his wife during a violent domestic dispute, leaving her with life-threatening injuries.

Aison Kibi Munkuli was convicted of attempted murder as defined in Section 47(1) of the Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Act by Hwange regional magistrate Shepherd Mjanja.

Munkuli was sentenced to three years’ imprisonment, with one year suspended for five years on condition that he does not commit a similar offence during that period, leaving him with an effective two-year jail term.

In passing sentence, Mr Mjanja said the accused had acted unlawfully and that the nature of the assault showed a clear intention to cause serious harm that could have resulted in death.

The court heard that Munkuli attacked his wife, Magrate Musaba (57), following a misunderstanding at their homestead in Simandala Village under Chief Binga in Binga District.

Prosecuting, Ms Chido Gracious Tshuma told the court that the dispute escalated when the accused threatened to assault the complainant.

The court heard that Musaba attempted to flee from the house to avoid the attack, but her husband chased after her and caught up with her outside.

“Munkuli assaulted the complainant using a log and struck her several times with fists on the head and face. During the attack, the accused repeatedly struck the complainant, showing that he intended to kill her or realised that his actions could cause death,” said Ms Tshuma.

The wooden log used in the assault was later recovered and produced in court as an exhibit.