Drunken jealous rage costs Bulawayo man US$200

A 35-year-old Bulawayo man has been fined US$200 after assaulting his wife in a drunken rage over allegations of infidelity.

Tongai Chipwanya appeared before Bulawayo magistrate Themba Chimiso, where he was convicted of contravening the Domestic Violence Act, which criminalises physical abuse and other forms of violence within domestic relationships.

The court fined Chipwanya US$200 and ordered that he serve 30 days in prison if he fails to pay the fine.

In addition, Magistrate Chimiso imposed a three-month prison sentence, which was wholly suspended for five years on condition that Chipwanya does not commit a similar offence during that period.

Prosecutor Samuel Mpofu told the court that the incident occurred on June 16 when Chipwanya returned home intoxicated and became suspicious after seeing an unidentified man leaving the couple's residence.

"He confronted his wife after seeing an unidentified man leaving their home and accused her of infidelity. He then strangled her before punching and kicking her," Mpofu said.

The assault was reported to the police, leading to Chipwanya's arrest and subsequent prosecution.

The Domestic Violence Act seeks to protect spouses, family members and other individuals from violence, intimidation and abuse within domestic settings.