Violent hubby jailed 8 years for attempted murder

The conviction has been welcomed by the National Prosecuting Authority, which described the matter as a severe violation of trust and a grave crime against a vulnerable child.

Yeukai Karengezeka

Court Correspondent

A MAN from Besa Village in Seke, who struck his wife five times on the head with an axe after she threatened to divorce him for failing to fend for her, was yesterday jailed for eight years.

Collen Makhuludza (39) pleaded guilty to five counts of attempted murder before Chitungwiza regional magistrate Mrs Gloria Takundwa, who initially sentenced him to nine years imprisonment before suspending one year on condition of good behaviour.

The complainant in this case was Jilda Chihlango (32) of Besa Village, Seke.

Prosecutor Ms Pamela Dzinduwa said on July 10, at around 5am, Makhuludza and his wife were in their bedroom talking about the money which he had earned after doing menial jobs.

A misunderstanding arose from the discussion since Makhuludza had brought little money.

The court heard as a result of the misunderstanding, Chihlango told her husband that she no longer loved him.

This did not go well with Makhuludza who took a small axe from the wardrobe and struck his wife five times on the head.

The fight ensued and Makhuludza tried to strike her for the sixth time, but Chihlango managed to hold the axe and they wrestled for the axe until they both got out of the room.

This is when Makhuludza ran away.

Ms Dzinduwa further alleged that Makhuludza was then chased by villagers who grabbed him and escorted him to the police.

As a result of the fight Chihlango sustained some deep cuts on the head and is yet to recover.