Peter Matika, Zimpapers Writer
A 40-year-old man from Gweru has been sentenced to three months in prison after repeatedly striking his 56-year-old uncle on the head with an axe following a dispute over money he had spent on alcohol instead of buying food.
Blessed Bhebhe was convicted of physical abuse after attacking his uncle three times with an axe at Ntabeni Village in Lower Gweru, in a violent domestic dispute that has prompted the National Prosecuting Authority of Zimbabwe (NPAZ) to warn against the use of violence in resolving family disagreements.
The incident occurred on August 4 this year when Bhebhe arrived home around midday while intoxicated.
According to the NPAZ, Bhebhe approached his uncle, who was preparing food in the kitchen, before the older man questioned him about money he had allegedly spent on alcohol instead of buying food for the household.
The question reportedly angered Bhebhe, who silently picked up an axe and struck his uncle on the head three times before fleeing from the scene.
The victim subsequently reported the assault to the police, leading to Bhebhe’s arrest.
He was taken for medical examination, with a medical report produced in court as evidence of the injuries sustained during the attack.
Bhebhe was sentenced to three months’ imprisonment, which were wholly suspended for five years on condition that he does not commit a similar offence during that period.
In a statement, the NPAZ reiterated that domestic violence is a criminal offence and that family relationships do not excuse acts of physical abuse.
“The NPAZ reiterates that domestic violence is a criminal offence and that family relationships do not excuse acts of physical abuse,” the authority said.
It urged members of the public experiencing or witnessing domestic violence to report such incidents to the police instead of allowing disputes to escalate.
The authority also encouraged families to resolve disagreements peacefully and seek appropriate
intervention where conflicts threaten the safety of household members.
