Zimpapers Logo

Nyaradzo Bakari, Chronicle Reporter
A BULAWAYO man has been fined $300 for stabbing his niece who had accused him of having an affair with his sister-in-law.

Admire Mhlongo (24), from Entumbane, pleaded guilty to a physical abuse charge when he appeared before Western Commonage magistrate Mr Lungile Ncube yesterday.

Mr Ncube fined him $300 or six months imprisonment.

“The court considers that you are a first offender and that the complainant did not sustain serious injuries,” said Mr Ncube. “You will pay a fine of $300 or serve six months imprisonment. Of the six months, three months will be suspended for five years on condition that you don’t commit a similar crime.”

Prosecuting Ms Margret Takawira said Mhlongo assaulted his niece, Miss Tafadzwa Lunga, after he heard that she was accusing him of having an affair with his wife’s sister, Miss Janet Chirima.

“On August 22 at around 5PM at Entumbane suburb, the accused came home drunk and when they were sitting as family members, Miss Chirima told him that Miss Lunga was accusing them of having an affair,” said Ms Takawira.

“The accused got angry and stabbed the complainant on her right leg.”

In a warned and cautioned statement, Mhlongo’s wife, Ms Getrude Chirima confirmed the love affair, saying she and Miss Lunga discovered WhatsApp messages in Miss Chirima’s phone when Miss Lunga borrowed it to make a call. According to the statement, Miss Lunga confronted Miss Chirima, who told Mhlongo about the incident.

The court heard that Miss Lunga jumped out of a window and fled to Entumbane Police Station, where she reported the matter. — @NyarieBakie.