Ex‑wife jailed for brutal hot oil attack in Bindura

A 24‑year‑old woman from Kufa Village under Chief Musana in Bindura has been sentenced to an effective three years in prison for pouring hot cooking oil on her ex‑husband in a violent domestic dispute.

According to the National Prosecuting Authority of Zimbabwe (NPAZ), the woman pleaded guilty to physical abuse when she appeared before the Bindura Magistrates' Court.

The court heard that on 4 April 2026, the 30‑year‑old complainant visited his former in‑laws' homestead to see his child, believing his ex‑wife was not at home.

After spending time with the child, he later returned to hand him back before preparing to leave for Harare.

While seated outside the kitchen chatting with his former mother‑in‑law, the situation turned violent when the offender suddenly emerged carrying a pot of hot cooking oil.

She reportedly approached the complainant and said "Ndakubata" ("I got you") before splashing the hot oil onto the right side of his face and hand.

As the victim attempted to flee, the court heard that the woman pursued him and launched a second attack, pouring more hot oil onto his back and left arm.

The complainant sustained serious burns to his face, hands and back.

A medical affidavit confirming the injuries was presented in court as evidence.

The offender was sentenced to five years' imprisonment, with two years suspended for five years, leaving an effective three‑year jail term.

The NPAZ condemned the escalation of domestic disputes into extreme violence, warning that such conduct attracts severe custodial penalties.

Authorities have urged members of the public to resolve disputes peacefully and seek lawful means of intervention rather than resorting to violence.