Online Reporter
Danisa Masuku
A 40-YEAR-OLD Bulawayo man has been given a suspended jail sentence after violently pushing his father during a heated argument over missing money.
Victor Kudzai Munyaka of Trenance appeared before Bulawayo Provincial Resident Magistrate Themba Chimiso on Thursday facing a physical abuse charge.
He pleaded guilty.
Magistrate Chimiso sentenced him to six months in prison, wholly suspended for five years on condition that he does not commit another offence involving violence.
If he commits such an offence during the suspension period, he will serve the sentence without the option of a fine.
The magistrate warned Munyaka that he had crossed the line by assaulting his father.
“You are supposed to respect your parents and any elderly person. What you did is against our moral values. For what you did, I will give you six months wholly suspended and that will help monitor you in the coming years,” said Chimiso.
The court heard that the drama started over missing money.
Prosecuting, Tumelo Hindoga said on 26 September at around 8pm, Munyaka and his father were at their home when Munyaka started complaining about his missing money.
His father allegedly asked him why he continued talking about the issue.
Munyaka allegedly became angry, stood up and violently pushed his father with both hands.
The father reportedly had to restrain his son and put him on the floor.
He did not sustain any visible injuries.
In aggravation, Hindoga told the court that cases of physical abuse were common and urged the court to send a strong deterrent message.
“Your worship, I pray for a custodial sentence so as to deter would-be offenders as this will help scale down domestic violence,” she said.
