Woman stabs husband after infidelity accusation

A 22-year-old woman from Cowdray Park, Bulawayo, has been sentenced to community service after stabbing her husband during a domestic dispute sparked by allegations of infidelity.

The incident, which occurred on the evening of August 25, saw Edline Shoko stab her husband, Vumani Sibanda, in the chest following a heated argument. Prosecutor Cathrine Kuzu told the Western Commonage Court that the altercation erupted around 9 p.m. after Sibanda confronted Shoko over alleged unfaithfulness.

"The verbal exchange intensified, and in the heat of the moment, Mrs Shoko seized a kitchen knife and stabbed Mr Sibanda, causing a deep laceration to the left side of his chest," Kuzu said.

Sibanda was rushed to hospital for treatment of the serious wound. Shoko initially pleaded not guilty to physical abuse but was later convicted.

Magistrate Jeconia Prince Ncube sentenced her to 15 months in prison, with six months suspended for five years on condition of good behavior. The remaining nine months were converted to 315 hours of community service at Nyamandlovu Police Station.

In his remarks, Magistrate Ncube condemned domestic violence, urging Shoko to manage her temper and avoid further violent confrontations. "Acts of violence within the home, whether by a man or woman, can destroy families completely," he said.