adminLeonard Ncube in Hwange
A MAN from Insuza in Matabeleland North province who in 2012 slapped his 32-month-old son for crying resulting in his death was yesterday found guilty of culpable homicide and sentenced to five years imprisonment.
Prosper Habathusi Nkomo, 25, of Village 3A in Insuza who was convicted by Bulawayo High Court Judge, Justice Martin Makonese on circuit in Hwange will however, serve an effective three years in jail after two years were conditionally suspended.
Nkomo told the court that he escaped to Botswana soon after committing the crime because he panicked.
In sentencing him, Justice Makonese said Nkomo was young and lacked the experience of a mature person to handle a crying baby. The judge, however, said parents had a duty to take care of their children regardless of the situation.
“You showed remorse by tendering a limited plea. You were fairly young and lacking experience and wisdom of a mature person when you committed the crime. The death of your son is likely to haunt you the rest of your life,” said Justice Makonese.
The court heard that after the assault, a panicking Nkomo unsuccessfully tried to render first aid before taking the lifeless body to a nearby bush where he spent the night with it.
On the following day he dumped the boy’s body in his kitchen hut.
His wife, Similo Mpofu discovered the body in the morning and by then Nkomo had escaped to Botswana.
Nkomo was represented pro deo by Elvis Mashindi of Mashindi and Company Legal practitioners while Namatirai Ngwasha represented the State.
Bongani Moyo
Online Reporter