Online Reporter
Moreblessing Ncube
WHEN it comes to proving love, some men buy flowers, others plan romantic dinners, but one Fairbridge man, it seems, prefers swinging an iron bar.
Meet Mthulisi Ngqabutho Mthombeni (42) from Juluka Compound, who decided to play both detective and boxing coach after accusing his wife of cheating. His weapon of choice? Not questions, not counselling, but cold, hard metal.
According to prosecutor Joseph Rugara, the “movie script” played out on 10 August around 10AM when Mthombeni accused his wife, Grace Gama, of being unfaithful. Instead of calling a family meeting or, say, breathing, he allegedly grabbed an iron bar and landed two heavy “love taps” — one on her left ear and another on her arm.
Grace was left bruised and had to be taken to UBH for a medical examination, while hubby got an express ticket to court.
In court, Bulawayo magistrate Challenge Mahembe wasn’t amused by his “DIY relationship counselling” methods and ordered him to cough up US$400 or face six months behind bars. Four months of that sentence were mercifully suspended on condition of good behaviour, meaning he’d better keep his gym routines away from human targets.
Neighbours were reportedly stunned. “We thought he was fixing the roof, not the marriage!” a resident quipped.
Domestic violence remains a serious issue in Zimbabwe, but cases like Mthombeni’s show some men still confuse discipline with damage. Love shouldn’t hurt, especially not with an iron bar.
A court official dryly put it, “Next time he suspects cheating, maybe he should investigate with his mouth, not his muscles.”
Mthombeni left court a free man, but definitely not a romantic hero, unless pain and paranoia are now love languages in Fairbridge.
