Woman scalds husband with hot porridge in marital dispute

Dalyn Chigwizura, Court Reporter

A 28-year-old Bulawayo woman has been sentenced to pay a fine of US$150 for pouring hot porridge on her husband’s back and left hand over a misunderstanding.

Sylvia Ngulube, of Entumbane suburb, appeared before Western Commonage magistrate, Mr Jeconia Prince Ncube, facing a charge of physical abuse.

Ngulube pleaded guilty to the charge and was initially sentenced to pay a fine of US$150 or the ZiG equivalent.
In default, she will serve three months in prison. The fine is payable before January 1, 2026.

Prosecutor, Ms Cathrine Kuzu, told the court that the offence was committed on December 2 at around 8.35AM.
On that day, the accused person was at home with her husband, Christopher Ndlovu (34) when the two had a misunderstanding.

The court heard that due to the misunderstanding, the accused person took a pot of hot porridge from the stove and poured it over her husband’s back and left hand.

The complainant, who sustained some injuries, sought medical attention.
A police report was made, leading to the arrest of the accused person.