Rumour monger struck with burning log

A Fort Rixon man in Insiza, Matabeleland South, reportedly ran amok and bashed his wife's friend with a flaming log, accusing her of teaching his wife the art of gossip.

However, beating the woman landed him in trouble with the law. Nkosinathi Maphosa (36) appeared before Bulawayo magistrate Mrs Sibongile Msipa-Marondedze for assaulting Sibongile Dube.

Prosecutor, Mr Nkathazo Dlodlo told the court that on February 24 at around 11am, Maphosa approached the alleged rumour monger, Dube at her workplace.

He accused her of ruining his family with her rumour mongering habits.

Maphosa told Dube that she was gossiping with his wife, that is why he was angry, thus had to "beat" the gossiping tendency out of her.

"During the quarrel Maphosa picked a burning log from a fireplace and assaulted Dube," said Mr Dlodlo.

The court heard that Dube suffered burns all over her body.

Mr Dlodlo added that Dube was assaulted several times on the head, once on the left shoulder and several times on both hands as she was trying to defend herself.

Maphosa was remanded in custody to 10 April for sentencing.