Man beats up ex-wife for being in love with his best friend

FAILURE to stomach seeing his estranged wife in the arms of his best friend made a Chipinge man go berserk and assaulted her.

Solomon Mlambo (28) of Naffaton Farm was dragged to court facing domestic violence charges.

He, however, told the court that he was still customarily married to Nancy Mlambo, but were on separation.

Solomon who was denying the charges was convicted by Mr Vusimuzi Gapara and was sentenced to three months imprisonment wholly suspended on condition that he was not involved in a similar offence in the next five years.

The State led by Mr Brian Madzura said on May 25 the estranged lovers had a quarrel which degenerated into a fight.

He said Solomon approached Nancy at a nearby bush where she was gathering firewood with other women from the same farm.

Solomon questioned her about the rumours that were doing rounds at the farm that she was in love with his friend.

The court heard that Nancy confirmed the affair and bragged to him that he had found a better man.

This infuriated Solomon who grabbed a metre-long stick and assaulted Nancy all over her body. She managed to escape and run home.

“In the evening, Solomon went to Nancy’s house where he further assaulted her accusing her of double-crossing him.” said Mr Madzura.

The following morning, she reported the assault to the police resulting in Solomon’s arrest.

In passing sentence, Mr Gapara said although he had been convicted of a serious offence, he deserved the court’s leniency as the offence was committed after provocation.

“The court has considered that you were provoked into committing the offence.

“You paid lobola for your wife, sired children with her and she deserted you for another man, telling you to leave her alone and naturally that would incense any human being,” said Mr Gapara.

Meanwhile, a maintenance defaulter was lucky to escape a jail term after he was convicted of violating Section 23 (1) of the Maintenance Act after he failed to pay $20 the court had ordered him to pay.

The court heard that on October 1, 2012, Benson Mabuto was ordered to pay $20 towards the upkeep of one minor child.
However by April 30, Mabuto had not paid a cent and his outstanding amount was $140.

Mabuto pleaded guilty to the charges and said he was unable to pay since his banana plantation, which was his source of income had wilted.He, however, pleaded with court for time to pay.

Mr Gapara sentenced him to six months, three of which were suspended on condition that he settled the arrears on or before July 31.