Man sets 2 huts on fire, turns violent over adultery accusations

A man from Umguza District has been sentenced to 24 months in prison after deliberately setting fire to his own property during a domestic dispute.

Watson Nyoni, 52, of Badminton Farm in Nyamandlovu, appeared before Western Commonage magistrate Jeconia Prince Ncube on a charge of malicious damage to property. He pleaded guilty to the offence.

The court heard that the incident stemmed from a misunderstanding with his wife, Sihle Magadebe, over allegations of infidelity. During the heated argument, Nyoni reportedly used matches to set fire to two huts, which were completely destroyed along with their contents.

Prosecutor Tafara Dzimbanhete told the court that the total value of the damage amounted to US$1,000, with no property recovered.

Nyoni was initially sentenced to 40 months in prison, with portions of the sentence suspended on condition of good behaviour and payment of restitution. However, 24 months of the sentence were made effective, and he has been ordered to compensate his wife the full US$1,000 before the specified deadline.

The case highlights how domestic disputes can escalate into serious criminal conduct, with courts imposing custodial sentences alongside financial penalties to address both the wrongdoing and the resulting losses.