MBABANE – A 22-year-old man has been sentenced to five years in prison for assaulting his 40-year-old cousin at their homestead, in breach of the Sexual Offences and Domestic Violence Act.
The accused appeared before Principal Magistrate Fikile Nhlabatsi at Mbabane Magistrates’ Court. He was arrested after allegedly hitting his cousin with open hands and fists, and kicking her multiple times all over her body on December 10.
The accused was informed of his right to legal representation but opted to represent himself. He pleaded guilty, telling the court that he acted out of anger. He said the dispute began when he asked the complainant to close a gate, but she refused and insulted him and his parents.
Magistrate Nhlabatsi cautioned the accused that his behaviour could have serious consequences, noting that ongoing violence could result in someone being seriously hurt or killed, and could lead to him being remanded in custody. She told both parties that their conduct at the homestead was disrespectful. She asked the complainant’s age, and upon learning she is 40 years old, reminded the accused that he is still a child in the household and must respect elders even when he believes they are wrong.
The complainant’s father was also questioned. He said the cousin often disrespected him at home and noted that the matter had previously been reported to the umphakatsi, which allegedly instructed her to leave the homestead because of her behaviour.
During mitigation, the accused said he has a child who depends on him and asked the court for leniency. Considering the seriousness of the offence, the court sentenced him to five years’ imprisonment or a E5,000 fine. Three years of the sentence, or a E3,000 fine, were suspended for three years on the condition that he does not commit a similar offence or contravene the Sexual Offences and Domestic Violence Act during the suspension period.
Discussion about this post