Online Reporter
Danisa Masuku
AN OUTING turned into a nightmare after a married man allegedly kidnapped his girlfriend and her three-year-old child before assaulting her in a fit of rage.
Marvelous Baro (30) appeared before Bulawayo regional magistrate Mark Dzira facing two counts of kidnapping. He pleaded not guilty and was denied bail. He will return to court on 8 September, represented by Task Vhiki of Task Vhiki Attorneys.
The court heard that on 4 August, Baro, his lover Nothabo Sibanda, her child and relatives had gone out together. When they returned to her Fourwinds home, Nothabo refused to accompany Baro to his Pumula South house.
That did not sit well with Baro. He allegedly stormed out of the car, grabbed Nothabo by the throat and punched her in the face. Despite screams for help and attempts by his friend to restrain him, he allegedly overpowered everyone before bundling Nothabo and her child into his car.
As he drove at high speed, he allegedly stopped at intervals to bash her. She bled from the nose and mouth. The court heard he later stopped near Hillside Police Station, where he allegedly rained more punches, claiming he wanted to “teach her a lesson.”
In a desperate move, Nothabo reportedly forced the car door open and bolted out while it was still in motion. Baro allegedly chased after her, punched and kicked her, but her screams drew police officers who rushed to the scene.
Sensing trouble, Baro tried to flee in his car but was pursued and arrested by police.
Bongani Ndlovu