Online Reporter
Dalyn Chigwizura
A 49-YEAR-OLD Bulawayo man has appeared in court after allegedly going berserk during a domestic dispute, assaulting his wife and striking their seven-month-old baby with a stone, leaving the infant seriously injured.
Simbarashe Sibanda of Mpopoma suburb appeared before Western Commonage regional magistrate Mr Pasipanodya Maturure, facing charges of physical abuse and attempted murder.
He was remanded in custody until January 21.
Prosecuting, Ms Christina Manyika told the court that the incident occurred on December 8 at around 4PM, when Sibanda allegedly had a misunderstanding with his wife, Simelinkosi Sibanda (23), over an undisclosed domestic matter.
The court heard that the argument escalated into violence, with Sibanda allegedly assaulting his wife by punching her indiscriminately, resulting in bodily injuries.
“After attacking his wife, the accused then turned his anger on their seven-month-old son, whom he struck on the forehead with a stone,” said Ms Manyika.
The baby sustained a deep cut on the forehead, and both victims were rushed to the hospital for medical examination and treatment.
A police report was subsequently made, leading to Sibanda’s arrest.
The case comes amid growing concern over rising cases of domestic violence, with law enforcement authorities and child welfare advocates repeatedly warning against the devastating impact of domestic disputes on women and children.
