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Man assaults mother with axe handle, jailed
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A 23-year-old man from Fort Rixon, Proud Manasa, has been sentenced to 18 months in prison after assaulting his mother, Ms. Irene Bell, with an axe handle during a domestic dispute.
Manasa was convicted of domestic violence after he intervened in a heated argument between his parents and struck his mother multiple times on her arms and chest. The incident, which occurred on September 8, 2023, at his father's homestead, stemmed from marital issues between his parents.
Manasa claimed in court that he was "possessed by spirits" at the time of the attack.
Bulawayo magistrate Ms. Polite Dube-Banda handed down the sentence but suspended six months on the condition that Manasa does not commit a similar offense within five years. The remaining 12 months were further suspended on the condition that Manasa performs 420 hours of community service at St. Luke's Primary School.
In her ruling, Ms. Dube-Banda condemned the assault, calling it a "shameful act," but acknowledged mitigating factors, including Manasa's youth, first-offender status, and his responsibilities as a married father of two children.
"The courts will also take into consideration the mother's statement, which suggested that she has forgiven the offender and believes he deserves a second chance," said Ms. Dube-Banda.
Prosecutor Ms. Cynthia Lunga told the court that the assault occurred around 5 PM when Ms. Bell was arguing with her husband over marital disputes. In an attempt to stop the altercation, Manasa used an axe handle to strike his mother multiple times.
The attack left Ms. Bell injured, and the matter was reported to the police, leading to Manasa's arrest.
Historical Parallels
This case echoes a disturbing trend of domestic violence in the region. Last year, Western Commonage Provincial Magistrate Mr. Vakai Douglas Chikwekwe sentenced another 23-year-old man from Emakhandeni suburb to three years in prison for assaulting and attempting to strangle his mother. That incident reportedly arose after the man's mother refused his inappropriate demands.
The case highlights the growing need for interventions to address domestic violence in Zimbabwean homes. Community leaders and legal experts have called for increased awareness campaigns and family counseling services to mitigate such incidents.
While Manasa has been given a second chance, the incident serves as a reminder of the deep social issues underlying family disputes and the importance of promoting peaceful conflict resolution within households.
Manasa was convicted of domestic violence after he intervened in a heated argument between his parents and struck his mother multiple times on her arms and chest. The incident, which occurred on September 8, 2023, at his father's homestead, stemmed from marital issues between his parents.
Manasa claimed in court that he was "possessed by spirits" at the time of the attack.
Bulawayo magistrate Ms. Polite Dube-Banda handed down the sentence but suspended six months on the condition that Manasa does not commit a similar offense within five years. The remaining 12 months were further suspended on the condition that Manasa performs 420 hours of community service at St. Luke's Primary School.
In her ruling, Ms. Dube-Banda condemned the assault, calling it a "shameful act," but acknowledged mitigating factors, including Manasa's youth, first-offender status, and his responsibilities as a married father of two children.
"The courts will also take into consideration the mother's statement, which suggested that she has forgiven the offender and believes he deserves a second chance," said Ms. Dube-Banda.
Prosecutor Ms. Cynthia Lunga told the court that the assault occurred around 5 PM when Ms. Bell was arguing with her husband over marital disputes. In an attempt to stop the altercation, Manasa used an axe handle to strike his mother multiple times.
The attack left Ms. Bell injured, and the matter was reported to the police, leading to Manasa's arrest.
Historical Parallels
This case echoes a disturbing trend of domestic violence in the region. Last year, Western Commonage Provincial Magistrate Mr. Vakai Douglas Chikwekwe sentenced another 23-year-old man from Emakhandeni suburb to three years in prison for assaulting and attempting to strangle his mother. That incident reportedly arose after the man's mother refused his inappropriate demands.
The case highlights the growing need for interventions to address domestic violence in Zimbabwean homes. Community leaders and legal experts have called for increased awareness campaigns and family counseling services to mitigate such incidents.
While Manasa has been given a second chance, the incident serves as a reminder of the deep social issues underlying family disputes and the importance of promoting peaceful conflict resolution within households.
Source - The Chronicle
