Online Reporter
Freedom Mupanedemo, Zimpapers Writer
A FATHER of two from Zvishavane Town in the Midlands Province has been sentenced to nine years in prison for dousing his wife with petrol and setting her alight while their 11-month-old baby was strapped on her back.
The incident happened following a domestic dispute.
The incident, which stemmed from a misunderstanding over alleged infidelity, left the woman with severe burns.
Innocent Nyamandi (51), of Makwasha suburb in Zvishavane, was convicted of attempted murder by Zvishavane regional magistrate, Mr Tawenga Sangster.
Nyamandi will, however, effectively serve seven years after two years were suspended for five years, on condition that he does not commit a similar offence during that period.
The complainant, Sibongile Chikozho, is Nyamandi’s wife and mother to their two children.
Prosecuting, Ms Melissa Muriva Makombe told the court that on 23 November at about 10pm, Nyamandi phoned his wife, informing her that he was travelling from Mberengwa to see her and the children.
Ms Makombe said Chikozho told her husband that she was spending the night at a friend’s house. The following morning at around 8am, Nyamandi went to the complainant’s shop and confronted her over why she had not slept at home.
“He accused the complainant of infidelity and a misunderstanding arose. The accused person then poured petrol on the complainant, set her alight using a cigarette lighter and fled from the scene, leaving her engulfed in flames,” said Ms Makombe.
The court heard that Chikozho sustained severe burns on the head, back, chest and both hands and was rushed to hospital, where she received medical treatment.
A report was made to the police, leading to Nyamandi’s arrest.
The case comes amid renewed calls by authorities and civil society organisations for communities to speak out against domestic violence, which continues to claim lives and destroy families across the country.
Zimbabwe has recorded numerous cases of extreme domestic violence in recent years, prompting the Government to strengthen enforcement of laws such as the Domestic Violence Act and intensify awareness campaigns aimed at preventing GBV and encouraging early reporting of abuse.
Courts have also consistently warned that perpetrators of violent domestic crimes will face severe punishment, particularly where the safety of women and children is endangered.
Bongani Ndlovu