Glenview Woman Jailed for Biting Off Neighbour’s Ear in Affair Dispute

A 24-year-old woman from Glenview has been sentenced to 12 months in prison after biting off part of her neighbour’s ear during a violent altercation linked to an alleged extramarital affair.

Bridget Jengwa, of Churu Farm, appeared before the Mbare Magistrates’ Court, where she was convicted of assault. She will serve an effective nine months behind bars after three months of the sentence were suspended for five years on condition of good behaviour. The court heard that the incident occurred on 20 April 2026, when Jengwa confronted her 21-year-old neighbour at her residence, accusing her of engaging in a relationship with her husband.

According to prosecutors, tensions escalated rapidly despite attempts by the victim’s mother to defuse the situation. Jengwa allegedly became violent, striking the victim with open hands before dragging her during the confrontation.

“She bit off a portion of the complainant’s right ear during the assault,” the State told the court, describing the attack as brutal and unprovoked.

In a shocking turn, Jengwa reportedly dropped the severed piece of the ear on the ground before fleeing the scene with her child, leaving the victim bleeding heavily and in need of urgent medical attention.

Medical evidence presented in court confirmed that the victim suffered permanent disfigurement as a result of the attack, a factor that weighed heavily in sentencing.

Legal experts say such cases fall under serious assault, particularly where grievous bodily harm and permanent injury are involved.

“Where an assault leads to lasting physical damage, courts are inclined to impose custodial sentences to reflect the severity of the offence,” said a Harare-based legal analyst. “This also serves as a deterrent against violent personal disputes.”

In a statement issued on 29 April, the National Prosecuting Authority of Zimbabwe (NPAZ) strongly condemned the incident, warning against the escalation of domestic and interpersonal conflicts into violence.

“Violence is never an acceptable way to resolve disputes. Such actions cause serious harm and carry severe legal consequences,” the authority said.

The NPAZ urged communities to prioritise peaceful conflict resolution and report all forms of violence to law enforcement authorities. The case has sparked concern among residents and community leaders in Glenview, where disputes linked to relationships and domestic tensions have occasionally escalated into violence.

Social commentators note that economic stress and overcrowded living conditions in high-density suburbs can sometimes intensify personal conflicts, though they stress that violence should never be justified. Authorities continue to encourage mediation, counselling, and community-based dispute resolution mechanisms as alternatives to confrontation. The ruling underscores Zimbabwe’s tough stance on violent crime, particularly cases involving serious bodily harm, as the justice system seeks to curb rising incidents of assault in urban communities.

Glenview assault case