Abusive husband handed 7 year jail term

By Munyaradzi Musiiwa

An unrepentant abusive man from Gokwe, who bashed his wife until she fell unconscious for refusing to recognise his girlfriend as a second wife, has been slapped with a seven-year jail term after being convicted of domestic violence.

Godfrey Chikombe (50) of Vheremu Village under Chief Chireya in Gokwe, had pleaded not guilty when he appeared before Gokwe regional magistrate Amos Mbobo. He was convicted after a full trial and sentenced to seven years, two of which were suspended for five years on condition of good behaviour.

The State’s case was that the complainant, Ms Evelyn Garikai was granted a peace order against her husband Chikombe after he attacked her with a knobkerrie sometime this year. The two had a misunderstanding over the man’s extra marital affair.

Garikai sustained severe head injuries due to the assault and was operated on the head.

On July 14 this year, the court heard that Chikombe approached Garikai who was in their kitchen and accused her of refusing to recognise his girlfriend whom he intended to marry. Chikombe also accused the complainant of reporting him to the police as well as seeking a peace order against him.

A heated argument ensued between the two resulting in Chikombe taking a hoe handle and striking the Garikai once on the head inflicting a deep laceration on the same spot on which she was operated on.

The complainant fell unconscious while bleeding profusely from the head, nose and mouth. She sustained severe internal injuries due to the assault which also affected her health. Garikai was taken to Gokwe District Hospital for treatment.

The matter was also reported to the police leading to Chikombe’s arrest. Mr Robert Ndlala appeared for the State. The Herald