Mbabane – Zakhele Madlopha, 38, of Mangwaneni, appeared in court after assaulting his baby mother for bringing another man into her parents’ house while he was present. The incident occurred on 1 November 2025 and led to Madlopha being charged under Section 77 (1)(a) of the Sexual Offences and Domestic Violence Act of 2018.
According to the charge sheet, Madlopha “unlawfully and physically abused his girlfriend, Nozizwe Khoza, who is also the mother of his child. He assaulted her several times with fists to the face and further head-butted her.” The court found his actions “harmed and placed the safety, health and well-being of the complainant at risk.”
Madlopha told the court they had been drinking at Khoza’s house when she left him alone and later returned with another man. He claimed, “This had been happening for some time and she pushed me outside to allow the other man to enter.” He further said the head-butting occurred when she slipped and “was not intentional.”
The presiding magistrate rejected his explanation and warned him about alcohol and domestic violence. “Drinking alcohol often leads to trouble and poor decision-making,” the court said, quoting Proverbs 20:1: “Wine is a mocker, strong drink is raging: and whosoever is deceived thereby is not wise.” The magistrate added that at 38, Madlopha should know the difference between right and wrong, noting that assaulting a woman is unacceptable conduct.
In mitigation, Madlopha explained that Khoza is unemployed and he supports her and their child. He said he is employed, is not a flight risk, and had paid school fees, leaving him with little money, pleading for leniency.
After considering these factors, the court sentenced Madlopha to a E2,000 fine. In default of payment, he faces two years in prison. Half of the sentence was suspended for one year on condition that he does not commit a similar offence under the Sexual Offences and Domestic Violence Act of 2018.
Discussion about this post