Mbabane – Principal Mbabane Magistrate Fikile Nhlabatsi has warned against perpetuating violence against women, following the sentencing of a 27-year-old married man who assaulted his wife with open hand and fists over infidelity accusations on Wednesday.
Wandile Magongo who was arrested and charged for contravening the Sexual Offences and Domestic Violence (SODV) Act of 2018 for the assault pleaded guilty.
He said it was a “mistake” and that he assaulted his wife out of anger after hearing rumors that she was having an affair. He said he confronted her but she denied the allegations. He then acted violently.
The Principal Magistrate asked who informed him of the alleged affair but he did not disclose.
She questioned Magongo’s maturity and sense of responsibility, stressing that marriage required discipline and respect.
“You took a wife while you were not ready to be a man. Even if you are angered, you don’t take weapons against another human being. Don’t act out of anger,” Nhlabatsi said.
The court made it clear that SODV-related cases are taken very seriously, and that violence against women cannot be justified by suspicions of infidelity.
In mitigation, Magongo pleaded for leniency, saying he regretted his actions.
He was sentenced to pay a fine of E5000 in default of payment, five years imprisonment, with E4,000 of the sentence suspended. Four years of the sentence were suspended on condition that he is not convicted of a similar offence within the next five years.
Moreover, Nhlabatsi said the sentence was not intended to destroy his life but to rehabilitate him and encourage respect within the marriage. The magistrate also advised that he report the person that told him lies about his wife to the authorities who will hold him accountable for wanting to destroy his family, adding that in future he should not entertain rumours.
“When reaching home, do not blame your wife for the sentence. Instead, guard yourself against assaulting anyone in the future. Also the sentence is going to be a reminder for you every time you think of raising your hand on anyone,” Nhlabatsi said.
The court encouraged Magongo to undergo self-control exercises and reflect on his upbringing, noting that a lack of father figures often contributes to violent behavior.
He was further urged to engage family elders instead of resorting to violence when marital disputes arise.
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