adminEmily Mbewe Court Reporter
A MEMBER of the Zimbabwe National Army (ZNA) has appeared in court for assaulting his wife accusing her of having extra marital affairs after they bumped into each other in the Bulawayo city centre recently.
Tawanda Zihwara assaulted his wife Julia Tshuma after meeting her walking along Jason Moyo Street, between 10th and 11th Avenues.
The matter was withdrawn before plea after Tshuma told the court in an affidavit that she had forgiven her husband and did not want the matter to proceed.
Prosecutor Taurayi Hondoyemoto told the court that Zihwara shouted at his wife accusing her of having extra marital affairs when they unexpectedly met in the city’s Central Business District (CBD).
“Zihwara assaulted his wife all over the body and also tripped her to the ground,” said Hondoyemoto.
The court heard that Tshuma sustained bruises on both legs and arms.
She reported the matter at Bulawayo Central Police Station leading to Zihwara’s arrest. The matter was subsequently withdrawn before the court.
Recently, traditional leaders in Matabeleland South province expressed concern over the withdrawal of assault cases by women after being attacked by their husbands.
The chiefs said some women withdraw the cases after being further threatened while others do so due to the pressure emanating from a scenario in which the husband would be the sole breadwinner in the family.
They said other cases are never reported to the police and they urged women to report all cases of physical abuse before it is too late.
The chiefs said some matters start as domestic violence and end up as murder cases as police would not have been informed in good time about the physical abuses with some women choosing to suffer in silence. Neighbours and relatives also share the blame as they pretend all is well instead of informing the police.
Online Reporter
Sidumisile Mabena