Hhohho – Douglas Gamedze, 62, of Sibebe, was found guilty of assaulting his wife, Nonhlanhla Shiba, under the Sexual Offences and Domestic Violence Act of 2018.
Court documents reveal that on 21 August, Gamedze allegedly attacked his wife by repeatedly punching her on the face, strangling her, and hitting her with an extension cable on her buttocks, in violation of Section 77 of the act. The prosecution presented the victim’s medical report as evidence, which Gamedze did not contest.
During proceedings, Gamedze claimed he acted in self-defence. He told the court that his wife was angry and refused to open the door when he returned home late. He said he had initially sought shelter at a neighbour’s house before returning home, which led to the confrontation. Gamedze further stated that his wife had attempted to pour hot water on him and accused him falsely of having a child outside their marriage. He denied fathering any child and asked the court for forgiveness, noting that this was his first offence.
In mitigation, Gamedze apologised for his actions and promised not to commit a similar offence in the future.
The court ordered Gamedze to pay a fine of E5000, with a default sentence of five years’ imprisonment. The sentence is suspended for three years, provided he does not commit a similar offence. Nonhlanhla Shiba was also instructed not to engage in acts of violence in contravention of Section 77 of the SODV Act.
Discussion about this post