"Ndakubata": Bindura Woman Jailed 3 Years for Hot Oil Attack on Ex-Husband

BINDURA — A 24-year-old woman from Kufa Village under Chief Musana has been sentenced to an effective three-year prison term following a gruesome domestic assault that left her ex-husband with severe permanent scarring. The accused appeared before the Bindura Magistrates' Court this week, where she pleaded guilty to charges of physical abuse in contravention of the Domestic Violence Act [Chapter 5:16].

The court heard that on April 4, 2026, the 30-year-old complainant, who currently resides in Harare, visited his former in-laws' homestead to see his child. Believing his ex-wife was away, he spent the afternoon with the child before returning to the main house to prepare for his journey back to the capital. The situation turned violent without warning. While the victim sat chatting with his former mother-in-law outside the kitchen, the accused emerged carrying a pot of boiling cooking oil.

"Ndakubata" (I got you), the woman reportedly declared before dousing the right side of the victim’s face and hand with the scalding liquid. As the man attempted to flee the homestead in agony, the woman pursued him, launching a second attack that covered his back and left arm in hot oil.

Medical affidavits presented to the court confirmed that the victim suffered serious burns and will require extensive reconstructive treatment. In handing down the judgment, the magistrate emphasized that domestic disputes must never escalate into "extreme and calculated violence."

Sentence Breakdown:

• Total Sentence: 5 years' imprisonment.

• Suspended Portion: 2 years (on condition of good behavior for the next 5 years).

• Effective Term: 3 years behind bars.

The National Prosecuting Authority of Zimbabwe (NPAZ) has used this conviction to issue a stern warning against the use of "weaponized" household items in domestic spats.

"We condemn the escalation of domestic disputes into extreme violence," an NPAZ representative stated. "Such conduct attracts severe custodial penalties, regardless of gender. We urge the public to seek lawful intervention through the courts or traditional leadership like Chief Musana rather than resorting to such barbaric acts." This case marks the third high-profile "hot oil" assault in the Mashonaland Central province this year, sparking calls from local NGOs for increased community-based counseling services in rural Bindura.

Bindura woman hot oil attack sentence