MBABANE – A 54-year old aunt and her niece ended up in court over a spark of a sweeping dirt dispute while at home.
Not only did this dispute lead to Lomathemba Dlamini, the aunt, ending up being found guilty of assault, she was sentenced to a fine of E5 000 or five years imprisonment, with E3 000 or three years of the sentence suspended. The charge was laid by her niece, Nomphumelelo Dlamini and is said to have occurred in the Mantsholo area on May 8, 2025. The judgment was pronounced by Principal Magistrate Fikile Nhlabatsi on Tuesday.
According to the charge sheet, Lomathemba was charged under Section 77 (1) (a) of the Sexual Offence and Domestic Violence Act 15/2018 for “wrongfully and emotionally assaulting Nomphumelelo Dlamini with fists several times all over the face, bang her face on the wall and further strangled her.”
During her testimony, Lomathemba denied a direct assault. “I didn’t assault her but it is true that we were fighting,” Lomathemba said. She said she has endured countless insults from her niece, leading to the incident. She recounted the events: “I was sweeping the yard when she came and stepped on where I was sweeping. I asked her why she was doing that and I tried to whip her with the broom from behind and she said, ‘that’s where I wanted you,’ and the fight started.”
On the other hand Nomphumelelo told the court that this was not the first time her aunt assaulted her. She also said that she had also received her aunt’s insults but did not disclose what the bone of contention between them was.
Principal Magistrate Nhlabatsi offered guidance to them where she emphasised adhering to traditional values. The court ruled that the matter should be referred to family members for further discussion but this did not cancel the sentence. The Magistrate also stressed the significance of respect within the nation, urging Lomathemba to practice self-control and to “train her mind to have control.”
In her mitigation, Lomathemba highlighted her responsibilities, noting she has a minor child and lives with grandchildren, one of whom requires financial support to go to college.
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