Bulawayo Woman Sentenced to Community Service for Scalding Husband with Hot Cooking Oil

BULAWAYO – A 32-year-old Bulawayo woman has been sentenced to 315 hours of community service after she scalded her husband with hot cooking oil during a domestic dispute. Edina Nyenda, of Luveve suburb, was convicted of physical abuse by Western Commonage Magistrate Jeconia Prince Ncube after she poured boiling cooking oil on her husband following an argument.

The court heard that the victim, Charles Ncube, 31, forgave his wife and pleaded for leniency, telling the court he preferred that she be fined rather than imprisoned. Magistrate Ncube initially sentenced Nyenda to 15 months in prison. However, six months of the sentence were suspended for five years on condition that she does not commit a similar offence during that period. The remaining nine months were suspended on condition that she completes 315 hours of community service at Imbizo Primary School.

Prosecutor Cathrine Kuzu told the court that the incident occurred in the early hours of May 9, 2026, at the couple's home in Luveve. According to the State, the dispute escalated after Charles Ncube decided to leave the marital bed and sleep on the floor following a misunderstanding with his wife. The decision reportedly angered Nyenda. The court heard that at around 2 a.m., Nyenda heated cooking oil before pouring it onto her husband's face and left arm while he was asleep on the floor.

Charles Ncube sustained burns to his face and left arm and was rushed to hospital, where he received medical treatment. The matter was subsequently reported to the police, leading to Nyenda's arrest and prosecution. During the trial, Charles Ncube told the court that he had forgiven his wife and asked the magistrate to impose a non-custodial sentence. The court nevertheless found Nyenda guilty of physical abuse, noting the seriousness of the assault while taking into account the complainant's views and other mitigating factors during sentencing.

The case highlights the prevalence of domestic violence affecting both women and men, with Zimbabwean law providing protection for all victims of abuse regardless of gender. Authorities continue to encourage victims of domestic violence to report incidents promptly and seek medical attention where injuries are sustained.

Bulawayo woman scalds husband