Teacher faces legal consequences for threats, insults

A 41-year-old teacher, Tendai Munkuli, employed at Chinego Secondary School in Binga, found himself in court facing charges of threats to commit murder and criminal insult.

Munkuli, a local resident at House number C51 Kamativi Compound under Chief Nekatambe in Hwange, pleaded guilty to both charges during proceedings at the Hwange Magistrate Court, presided over by Ms. Rumbidzai Yolanda Kabasa Kabonzo on Tuesday morning.

The incident unfolded in the early hours of December 10 when Munkuli visited his neighbor, Ms. Mavis Siafwiyo, with the intention of collecting a debt of USD $4.00 and a kilogram of mealie meal owed by his wife. A dispute ensued between the two, leading Munkuli to threaten Siafwiyo with murder. The threats escalated, prompting the frightened complainant to flee and seek refuge at a neighbor's residence.

In addition to the threats, Munkuli also subjected Siafwiyo to criminal insults through his words. The disturbing verbal assault continued until Siafwiyo sought safety at a neighboring homestead.

Following the incident, a report was filed with ZRP Kamativi, leading to investigations and Munkuli's subsequent arrest. Magistrate Ms. Rumbidzai Yolanda Kabasa Kabonzo handed down a sentence, requiring Munkuli to pay a fine of USD $50 by January 13 at the prevailing interbank rate.