The Harare Magistrates’ Court has handed down sentences in two separate cases of gender-based violence, emphasizing the need for accountability and the protection of women’s rights.
A 33-year-old man from Chadcombe, Hatfield, was convicted on charges of domestic violence and criminal insult after attacking his girlfriend. The incident occurred on November 22, 2024, when the woman reprimanded the man for excessive drinking, which she said was affecting his work.
The accused responded with obscenities and physically assaulted her multiple times.
The man pleaded guilty to the charges. He received a wholly suspended three-month sentence for domestic violence and was fined USD50 for criminal insult.
In a separate case, a 26-year-old man from Mabvuku, Harare, forced his way into his ex-girlfriend’s home in Hatfield on September 22, 2024. Armed with an unknown object, he broke the door while the complainant was away and was later found asleep on the couch when she returned. Police were alerted, leading to his arrest.
The man was charged with unlawful entry and malicious damage to property. He was fined USD70 or faced one month of imprisonment if the fine was not paid.
