Online Reporter
Patrick Chitumba, Midlands Bureau Chief
A 37-year-old Zvishavane woman has been jailed for five years after scalding a 12-year-old girl with boiling water, following a shocking accusation of prostitution. In a case of attempted murder, Martha Gombakomba of Mandava suburb was convicted after a full trial, despite her not-guilty plea.
Regional magistrate Mr Tavengwa Sangster sentenced her to five years’ imprisonment, suspending two years on condition of good behaviour, meaning she will effectively serve three years.
The State’s case, presented by Ms Melissa Makombe, outlined the horrifying events. The victim, a 12-year-old Form 1 pupil at a local school, was a neighbour of Gombakomba. The ordeal began on July 14, when Gombakomba chased the child, accusing her of failing to greet her.
Later that day, on her way home from school, the victim phoned her sister Samantha to check if it was safe to return. After being assured Gombakomba was not outside, she went home and locked herself inside. However, Gombakomba soon arrived at the home, shouting and making false accusations of prostitution against both sisters. The girls remained silent.
The court heard that Samantha phoned their mother to inform her of the situation and went outside to collect blankets while still on the call. Gombakomba allegedly snatched the phone, telling the girls’ parents that they were engaged in prostitution.
She then forced her way into the house, grabbed the complainant, and continued her verbal abuse. As she strangled the girl, Samantha intervened and pulled her away. In a chilling escalation, the accused took a pot of boiling water from the stove and attempted to pour it over the victim’s face. The girl narrowly avoided the full impact, but the water splashed onto the left side of her face, shoulder, chest, and abdomen.
The child ran outside in agony, where bystanders rushed to her aid, restraining Gombakomba and pouring cold water on the burns. A medical report, which was presented as evidence in court, detailed the severe burn wounds to the victim’s head, neck, shoulder, chest, and abdomen.
A police report was filed, which led to Gombakomba’s swift arrest and eventual conviction.
