Online Reporter
Dalyn Chigwizura, Court Reporter
A 48-year-old man from Bulawayo has been fined US$160 for assaulting his wife, striking her several times in the face with his fists and hitting her on the head with an unidentified object, after she questioned why he had brought his alleged girlfriend to their matrimonial home.
Rodwell Dube, of Entumbane suburb, appeared before Western Commonage magistrate Mr Jeconia Prince Ncube, facing charges of physical abuse. Mr Ncube sentenced Dube to pay a fine of US$160 or serve three months in prison. The fine is payable by 14 November.
Prosecutor Ms Cathrine Kuzu told the court that the incident occurred on 5 October. On that evening, at around 8PM, the accused arrived at his residence in Entumbane accompanied by his girlfriend.
Upon seeing the other woman, the complainant, Bekezela Ndlovu (46), confronted her husband, asking who the woman was and why she had come to their home.
Dube, feeling challenged by his wife’s questioning, became enraged and began assaulting her with open hands, striking her face multiple times.
He then picked up an unknown object and hit her once on the head. As a result of the assault, Ndlovu sustained injuries and was referred to hospital for medical attention. A police report was filed, leading to Dube’s arrest.
In a similar case, a 40-year-old man from Bulawayo has been fined US$150 for strangling, assaulting, and pushing his wife, causing her to fall into a dish filled with water, following a domestic dispute.
Emmanuel Sithole, of Nkulumane suburb, pleaded guilty to charges of physical abuse when he appeared before the same magistrate. Mr Ncube sentenced him to pay a fine of US$150 or serve three months in prison. The fine is also payable by 14 November.
Prosecutor Ms Kuzu informed the court that the incident occurred on 13 October at around 4AM. On that morning, Sithole and his wife, Roseline Forichi, were at their residence when an argument broke out over money that Sithole owed. At approximately 7AM, Sithole became violent and strangled his wife.
Although she attempted to move away, he pursued her, pushed her, and she fell into a dish filled with water. He then assaulted her with fists all over her body.
The assault only ceased when neighbours intervened and restrained Sithole. Forichi sustained injuries and was referred to hospital for treatment. A police report was subsequently made, resulting in Sithole’s arrest.
