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Leonard Ncube Victoria Falls Reporter
THE love of a quick buck earned a 22-year-old married woman a thorough beating from her husband after she lost her day’s takings at a casino. Charity Ndebele was assaulted by husband Patson Ndlovu after she blew $15 she had realised at the market through casino gambling. Ndlovu was dragged to court to answer a charge of physical abuse after he hit his wife with a stone on the head before slapping her several times.

Victoria Falls magistrate Sharon Rosemani convicted Ndlovu on his own plea of guilt yesterday and fined him $100 (or 10 weeks).

The couple who reside in Chinotimba suburb ekes a living through selling wares at Comesa Market, popularly known as Emaplankeni.

The court heard how Ndebele took the money they had realised from selling their goods and went to gamble at a casino without the knowledge of her husband.

Ndlovu was incensed when he learnt of his wife’s action. “She took all the money we had realised at the market where we both sell goods and went to play casino. She didn’t win. I slapped her and only restrained myself when I realised that our child was watching,” said Ndlovu.

The couple has been married for five years and has a three-year-old child.

The court heard that when she arrived home on February 19, Ndebele tried to play a fast one on her husband, accusing him of being extravagant. However, tables were turned on her as he established that she had actually spent their day’s takings at the casino.

Ndebele admitted that she lost the money at the casino. She begged the court to forgive her husband saying they had since discussed the issue over.

“I went to play casino and lost $15. I’m no longer angry with him because we have forgiven each other. Please forgive him he erred,” she said.

The magistrate refused to grant Ndebele her wish.

David Tivakudze prosecuted.