Online Reporter
Dalyn Chigwizura, Zimpapers Writer
A 22-YEAR-OLD Bulawayo woman was yesterday ordered to perform 315 hours of community service for stabbing her husband during a domestic dispute over infidelity.
Edline Shoko of Cowdray Park suburb appeared before Western Commonage magistrate Mr Jeconia Prince Ncube, facing a charge of physical abuse. She pleaded guilty to the offence.
Shoko was sentenced to 15 months in jail but six months were suspended for five years on condition that she does not commit a similar offence within that period.
The remaining nine months were further suspended on condition that she completes 315 hours of community service at Nyamandlovu Police Station beginning today.
Prosecuting, Ms Cathrine Kuzu told the court that the incident occurred on August 25 at the couple’s home in Cowdray Park.
“On that day, at around 9PM, the accused and her husband, Vumani Sibanda (22), had a misunderstanding after Sibanda accused Shoko of infidelity,” said Ms Kuzu.
A heated argument ensued, during which Shoko grabbed a kitchen knife and stabbed her husband on the left side of the chest and he sustained severe injuries.
Sibanda was rushed to hospital and a police report was later filed leading to Shoko’s arrest.
In a similar case, a 48-year-old Bulawayo man has appeared before the same magistrate for allegedly assaulting his wife after she confronted him for bringing his girlfriend to their matrimonial home.
Rodwell Dube of Entumbane suburb appeared before Mr Ncube, facing a charge of physical abuse.
He was remanded in custody to October 20 pending the production of the complainant’s medical report.
Prosecuting, Ms Kuzu told the court that the incident occurred on October 5 at around 8PM.
“On that day, the accused arrived at his home in Entumbane with his girlfriend. His wife, Bekezela Ndlovu (46), confronted him, demanding to know why he had brought another woman to their matrimonial home,” said Ms Kuzu.
The court heard that Dube became violent, accusing his wife of disrespecting him as the head of the house.
He allegedly punched her several times in the face before striking her on the head with a hard object.
Ndlovu sustained head injuries and was rushed to hospital. A police report was later filed leading to Dube’s arrest.
