Sidumisile Mabena
Danisa Masuku
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A BULAWAYO man has been fined US$200 for physically assaulting his wife after accusing her of infidelity while he was intoxicated.
Tongai Chipwanya (35) appeared before Bulawayo Provincial Resident Magistrate Mr Themba Chimiso on Thursday facing a physical abuse charge.
Chipwanya pleaded guilty and admitted assaulting his wife following a domestic dispute.
Addressing the court, he said he had arrived home heavily intoxicated and saw an unidentified man leaving the family home, sparking suspicions that his wife was being unfaithful.
“When I asked about the man in question, an argument between me and my wife broke out. At the height of it, I beat her up,” said Chipwanya.
He expressed remorse for his actions and apologised to both the court and his wife.
“I beg the court to forgive me. On the day in question I was drunk. I have learnt the hard way that a female must not be abused,” he said.
In sentencing, Mr Chimiso fined Chipwanya US$200. Failure to pay the fine will result in him serving 30 days in prison.
The court further imposed a three-month prison sentence, wholly suspended for five years on condition that he does not commit a similar offence during that period.
Passing sentence, Mr Chimiso condemned domestic violence and urged Chipwanya to change his behaviour.
“You must desist from your unbecoming behaviour of assaulting your wife whenever you are drunk. A woman must be loved, not beaten,” he said.
Prosecutor Mr Samuel Mpofu told the court that on June 16, Chipwanya arrived home intoxicated and confronted his wife after seeing an unidentified man leaving their residence.
“He confronted his wife, accusing her after seeing an unidentified man leaving their home. He then strangled her before punching and kicking her,” said Mr Mpofu.
The matter was subsequently reported to the police, leading to Chipwanya’s arrest and prosecution.
