Cousins fight over married man

Gibson Mhaka
IN a typical “the man is mine” fight, two teenage cousins from Hingwe Village in the Madlambuzi area of Plumtree, Matabeleland South Province, left villagers shocked when they were involved in a bloody fight over a married man they were both dating.

So violent and intense was the fight that one of the teenagers was left hospitalised at Plumtree District Hospital. This was heard when Persia Sibanda (19) appeared before Plumtree magistrate Joshua Nembaware facing assault charges.

She pleaded guilty and was sentenced to 12 months imprisonment of which six months imprisonment was suspended for a period of five years on condition that she does not within that period commit any offence of which assault is an element for which upon conviction she will be sentenced to prison without the option of a fine.

The remaining six months imprisonment were suspended on condition that she completes 210 hours of community service at Maitengwe Police Post.

The State’s case, as presented by Selestine Madziwa, was that on 15 November 2024, at around 6pm, Persia and the complainant, Elina Mpofu (19), were watering their gardens at the Hingwe Irrigation Scheme.

Persia confronted Elina, accusing her of having an affair with her boyfriend and claiming this was the reason he was neglecting his wife and children.

A misunderstanding ensued when Elina questioned the accused about her own involvement with the same man, given her concern about his neglect of his family. Persia, enraged by this, attacked Elina.

Elina reportedly attempted to defend herself, but she was overpowered by her cousin. Persia then dragged Elina to the ground and, while she was down, strangled her by the neck, while threatening to kill her.

Persia continued the assault before she took a log which was nearby and struck Elina, who was still on the ground, three times on the left arm.

Elina sustained injuries as a result of the attack.
The matter was reported at Maitengwe Police Post, and Elina was transported to Plumtree District Hospital for medical attention.