NYANGA DOMESTIC DISPUTES: Co-Wife Biting and Protection Order Breaches Lead to Convictions

NYANGA — Two separate domestic violence cases in Nyanga have resulted in convictions, highlighting the ongoing legal challenges surrounding household disputes and the enforcement of protection orders in the district.

A 28-year-old woman, Nunurai Makaza, avoided prison time after being convicted of assaulting and biting her co-wife during a dispute over household property. Makaza, a resident of Taibu Village under Chief Katerere, pleaded guilty to charges of physical abuse under the Domestic Violence Act.

The court, presided over by Magistrate Notebulgar Muchineripi, heard that the conflict began on April 27, 2026, when Loveness Nyakabwi requested the return of a carpet currently in Makaza's use. During the ensuing altercation, Makaza slapped Nyakabwi twice before biting her on the forehead, inflicting a deep wound that required medical attention.

• The Sentence: Makaza was sentenced to eight months in prison, which was wholly suspended.

• Condition: She is required to perform 210 hours of community service at Avilla Mission Hospital.

In a separate matter before the same court, 51-year-old Getrude Kutsanza was convicted for repeatedly violating a protection order issued to protect her former husband, Ben Sithole. Kutsanza, of Tadoka Village under Chief Hata, pleaded guilty to two counts of failing to comply with the court-mandated order.

The prosecution revealed that Kutsanza entered Sithole's bedroom on two separate occasions to verbally abuse him and level accusations of infidelity. These actions directly breached a court order that barred her from insulting, threatening, or harassing him.

• The Sentence: Magistrate Muchineripi handed down a four-month prison sentence.

• Condition: The sentence was wholly suspended for five years on the condition that she does not commit a similar offense.

Nyanga domestic violence convictions