Sidumisile Mabena
Dalyn Chigwizura
A 51-YEAR-OLD Emganwini West man has swapped his sofa for school grounds after jealousy boiled over and landed him 280 hours of community service.
Richard Kondo appeared before Western Commonage magistrate Jeconia Prince Ncube facing a charge of physical abuse after turning his home into a wrestling ring over accusations of infidelity.
According to prosecutor Ms Cathrine Kuzu, on 24 January at around 8PM, Kondo arrived home and accused his wife, Melody Persistance Taruvinga (36), of cheating.
Instead of asking for proof or keeping quiet, the court heard that Kondo exploded.
He slapped Taruvinga several times on the face, strangled her, twisted her hand and struck her once on the back with a slatcher in a jealous rage.
The court was told that although Taruvinga did not seek medical attention, she reported the matter to the police, leading to Kondo’s arrest.
Standing before the magistrate, Kondo pleaded guilty to the charge.
Ncube initially sentenced him to 14 months in prison. Six months were suspended for five years on condition that he does not commit a similar offence during that period. The remaining eight months were also suspended on condition that he completes 280 hours of community service at Emganwini Secondary School.
Instead of spending his days at home throwing accusations, Kondo will now be spending them doing community service at a local school.
derick.khumalo
Online Reporter