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Jeffery Shatirwa, of 24962 Mwari Rudo Street, Runyararo, pleaded not guilty to charges of domestic violence, arson and malicious damage to property when he appeared before Masvingo magistrate Mrs Esther Muremba on Tuesday.
He was remanded out of custody on his own cognisance to 19 December.
For the State, Ms Mukai Mutumhe said on 4 December at about 9pm, Shatirwa had a misunderstanding with his wife, Ms Fungayi Mukucha over a cellphone conversation he had with a girlfriend.
The court heard that the wife was annoyed by the conversation in which Shatirwa allegedly mentioned that he was going to send his girlfriend money the following day.
The court heard that Shatirwa’s wife was not amused since they had only porridge for supper because he claimed he had no money to buy relish.
At that point Ms Mukucha allegedly snatched the phone from Shatirwa, accusing him of being promiscuous.
She allegedly smashed the phone against the floor and it broke into three pieces.
The court heard that Shatirwa retaliated by slapping her on the left cheek and went on to pick a pot, which he used to beat her on the head, leaving her with a deep cut.
The pot handle broke and he picked a log, which he used to beat his wife, the court was told.
The court heard that Ms Mukucha allegedly burnt Shatirwa’s clothes. The burnt clothes are valued at $866.
Shatirwa allegedly hit back by also setting his wife’s clothes on fire.
In the process, clothes valued at $83 belonging to a fellow tenant, Ms Prisca Neruwana (26) were also destroyed, the court was told.
The court heard that the two roomed house was extensively damaged and the value of the damage is $3 827.
derick.khumalo
Online Reporter