Online Reporter
A 43-year-old man from Turk Mine in Bubi district has been fined US$300 for assaulting his wife following a dispute over change for their children’s school fees.
Nkosilathi Sibanda of ZESA Turk Mine in the Inyathi area appeared before a local magistrate Challenge Mahembe facing a charge of physical abuse.
The court heard that on September 9, 2026, Sibanda gave his wife, 38-year-old Trezia Mpofu, US$100 to pay their children’s school fees.
Mpofu paid the fees and used the balance to purchase materials required for the children’s school projects.
When she returned home, she produced the receipts and explained how the money had been spent.
At about 11am, Sibanda, however insisted that he wanted change from the school fees payment, but Mpofu told him she would give it to him the following day.
Later that evening, while the couple was walking to the shops as Sibanda was on his way to work, he allegedly demanded the money again. Mpofu told him she would pay him the following day before trying to walk away.
Sibanda allegedly struck Mpofu on the head with an unknown object and she collapsed.
Fortunately, police officers who were on patrol intervened and arrested Sibanda.
The court fined him US$300, failure of which would attract a six months prison term.
A further six months was wholly suspended on the condition that he does not commit a similar offence. — Matabeleland North Bureau
