Mbabane – What started as a simple lovers’ quarrel between a couple turned violent, landing a 29-year-old man before the Mbabane Magistrates Court for assaulting his girlfriend. To ensure peace between the couple, Magistrate Sifiso Vilakati presiding over the matter ordered the issuance of a protection order against the accused.
The names of the couple are deliberately withheld. However, the man was convicted of a crime in terms of Section 77(1)(a) of the Sexual Offences and Domestic Violence Act of 2018 after admitting to repeatedly slapping his girlfriend across the face with open hands during a heated argument.
In court, the man appeared remorseful, explaining that he “lost his cool” after emotions flared and the two could not agree on a matter that sparked tension.
“I just got angry and acted without thinking,” he told the court. He further confessed that despite the altercation, he was still in love with the complainant, and they continued to see each other, insisting that it was the first and last time he would ever raise his hand against her.
Vilakati took a firm stance against gender-based violence, stressing that violence can never be a solution to relationship problems.
“When you feel yourself losing your temper, walk away. Violence destroys love and trust,” the magistrate advised.
In mitigation, the accused pleaded for leniency, saying he deeply regretted his actions and had learnt his lesson. The court noted his remorse but emphasised the seriousness of domestic violence cases, regardless of the relationship between the parties.
He was then sentenced to pay a fine of E2,000 or, in default, serve one year imprisonment. The magistrate concluded by warning him that any future acts of violence would attract a harsher punishment.
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