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Leonard Ncube Victoria Falls Reporter
A WOMAN who attempted suicide by drinking poison in a courtyard moments before her judgment has been jailed for eight months.
Sikhanyisiwe Nyathi, 33, who caused a stir at the Victoria Falls magistrates’ court recently when she gulped cockroach poison, told a court she wanted to end her life because she was scared of jail.
She alleged she was embarrassed as the complainant was mocking her that she would be locked away for many years.
Magistrate Sharon Rosemani sentenced Nyathi to eight months in jail for assaulting her friend Sibongile Ncube, 40, whom she accused of snatching her sister’s boyfriend.
Nyathi will, however, serve an effective four months after Rosemani suspended four months on condition that she pays Ncube $100 for her medical expenses.
“I was scared of going to jail for a long time because the complainant was laughing at me saying I’ll be locked away for many years,” said Nyathi.
She said she was less concerned about her three minor children when she downed cockroach poison in front of the courtroom. Nyathi said all she wanted then was to free herself from stress.
“The thought of being locked up for a long time scared me. I consumed some poison at home before coming to court and gulped some more when I got here. At that moment my children were the least of my problems and all I wanted was to relieve myself of stress,” she said.
No criminal action was taken against Nyathi for attempting suicide but she was brought to court for sentencing on a warrant of arrest after missing her judgment day.
The two friends fought at a musical show where Ndolwane Super Sounds were performing three months ago. Nyathi accused Ncube of snatching her sister’s boyfriend, Philimon Phiri.
Online Reporter