Man assaulting uncle over food

A 24-year-old man from Chipinge narrowly avoided a lengthy prison sentence after violently assaulting his 48-year-old uncle during a dispute over food.

According to the National Prosecuting Authority of Zimbabwe, the altercation began when the uncle instructed his wife to prepare enough food for visiting guests. The man reportedly lost his temper, first throttling his uncle, then striking him with heavy punches and slaps, leaving the victim motionless.

The assault escalated when the man returned with an electric cable, lashing his uncle repeatedly until he fled to his bedroom for safety. The uncle sustained bruises on his hands and shoulders.

The Chipinge magistrate convicted the man under the Domestic Violence Act, sentencing him to 18 months in jail. Six months were suspended on condition of good behaviour, while the remaining 12 months were commuted to 420 hours of community service at Musani Primary School.