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Mr Abednico Ndebele was told this at the appearance of Mildred Jasi (22), who is facing two counts of physically assaulting her husband Mr Theophelus Chigova (28).

The couple that used to live together at Number Y9 Mzilikazi, has since separated because of the fights.

Jasi and Mr Chigova have a new born baby.

Jasi, who appeared in the dock with the baby strapped on her back, told the court that they started fighting with Mr Chigova when he failed to buy clothes for their child.

She pleaded not guilty to the two counts and was remanded out of custody on her own cognisance to Tuesday for the start of her trial.

Jasi told the court that Mr Chigova had been abusive, as she would come across text messages from other women on his cellphone.

Mr Ndebele advised Jasi to approach the Maintenance Court if Mr Chigova failed to provide for the child since they are now on separation.

He also advised Mr Chigova to apply for a peace order if he felt threatened by his wife.

Mr Chigova told the court that Jasi had fought with almost all his family members during their short stint in marriage and would also allegedly assault or even stab him.

Asked by the magistrate how he had met Jasi before they got married, Mr Chigova drew laughter from the gallery when he said their match was made over the cellphone.

He said they come from the same rural area and used to phone each other when she was still based in South Africa while he was in Bulawayo.

He said he proposed to Jasi over the cellphone before physically meeting her and they got married as soon             as she came to Bulawayo.

The State led by Mr Malvern Nzombe alleges that on 16 September last year, Mr Chigova gave Jasi money for her to travel to visit his family in the rural area,                                             but instead she allegedly got angry and started insulting him telling him that she did not want to go.

She allegedly picked up an unknown object and hit him on the right arm, bit him on the finger and also allegedly stabbed him with a pair of scissors.

Mr Chigova sustained a cut and bruises on the fingers.

On Monday this week, Jasi allegedly visited Mr Chigova and allegedly assaulted him resulting in him sustaining a swollen cheek.

He was treated and discharged at Mpilo Central Hospital.