Soldier stones wife over girlfriend

By Latwell Nyangu

HARARE – A Soldier was last week ordered to pay a fine of US$100 after he stoned his wife for disturbing his peace while he enjoyed quality time with his mistress.

Vengesai Chengetani (28), of Glen View 3 was brought before Mbare magistrate Precious Muzondo charged with physical abuse and malicious damage to property. He was found guilty and convicted of the charges.

Magistrate Muzondo ordered him to pay a fine of US$100 with an option of 30 days imprisonment. In addition, one month was suspended for five years on condition of good behaviour.

For the second charge, Vengesai was slapped with a wholly suspended one month imprisonment on condition that he does not commit a similar offence. Vengesai was angered by his wife’s confrontation over his girlfriend and he admitted to have stoned her during the argument.

The couple is on separation.

He turned his wife Taurai Chagwedera (39), into a punching bag.

It was proved that on May 26, after midnight, Vengesai visited his wife at her place of residence where he started accusing her of disturbing his peace with his girlfriend. The State proved that Vengesai started assaulting his wife with open hands on her chest.

He further went on to use an iron bar on her head and buttocks and she sustained some injuries. On June 6, at around 2am Vengesai again approached his wife at her place of residence where he knocked at the door and she remained silent.

He however, managed to enter the house where he became violent and started destroying windows using stones.

A medical affidavit was produced in court.