Online Reporter
Dalyn Chigwizura, Court Reporter
A 40-year-old Bulawayo man has been sentenced to perform 420 hours of community service for assaulting his girlfriend after accusing her of infidelity. Justice Sipepa, of Nketa 8 suburb, was convicted on his own plea of guilty to a charge of physical abuse by Western Commonage magistrate, Mr Jeconia Prince Ncube.
Sipepa was initially sentenced to 18 months in prison, but six months were suspended for five years on condition that he does not commit a similar offence within that period. The remaining 12 months were also suspended on condition that he completes 420 hours of community service at Tshabalala Police Station, starting tomorrow, to be completed within 12 weeks.
Prosecuting, Ms Cathrine Kuzu told the court that Sipepa and the complainant, Maureen Taruvinga (37), are in a romantic relationship. On September 20, the complainant visited the accused at his home when a heated argument broke out after Sipepa accused her of being unfaithful.
“A misunderstanding arose between them, which led the accused to become angry. He grabbed a slasher and attacked the complainant with it. He also punched and indiscriminately assaulted her all over the body,” said Ms Kuzu.
The complainant later sought medical attention at a local hospital. A police report was made, leading to Sipepa’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 another woman — believed to be his girlfriend — to their matrimonial home.
Rodwell Dube, of Entumbane suburb, appeared before Mr Ncube, facing charges of physical abuse. He was remanded in custody to October 20, pending a medical report.
Prosecuting, Ms Kuzu told the court that the incident occurred on October 5 at around 8 PM.
“On that particular evening, the accused arrived at his home in Entumbane accompanied by his girlfriend. The complainant, Bekezela Ndlovu (46), questioned him about why he had brought another woman into their home,” said Ms Kuzu.
The court heard that Dube became enraged, insisting he was the “head of the house” and did not owe his wife an explanation. He then allegedly assaulted her several times on the face with open hands before striking her on the head with an unknown object.
Ndlovu sustained injuries and was referred to a local hospital for treatment. A police report was later made, leading to Dube’s arrest.
