Shurugwi Woman Jailed Pending Sentence After Allegedly Assaulting Husband With Hot Pot of Sadza

Southerton Business Times

Jul 27

2 min read

By Southerton Business Times | Shurugwi

A 34-year-old Shurugwi woman has been remanded in custody after allegedly attacking her husband with a hot pot filled with sadza before falsely accusing him of possessing illegal drugs, only for police investigations to reveal the dagga belonged to her. Nethiwe Mapfumo, of Impaluli Farm in Shurugwi, pleaded guilty to assault and unlawful possession of dagga when she appeared before Shurugwi Magistrate Sithabile Zungula. She was remanded in custody and is expected to return to court next week for sentencing.

Domestic Dispute Turns Violent

The court heard that the incident occurred on Sunday while the couple was at their home. According to court proceedings, Mapfumo's cousin telephoned her using a new mobile number. Her husband, Sheunesu Chigogora (46), answered the call and reportedly began questioning the caller. The exchange reportedly became heated after the cousin asked Chigogora to hand the phone to Mapfumo.

Hearing the argument, Mapfumo allegedly intervened by grabbing a hot pot containing freshly cooked sadza and repeatedly striking her husband on the head and face. Prosecutors said she later assaulted him further using a wooden cooking stick. Chigogora sustained serious facial and head injuries during the assault.

False Dagga Report Backfires

Following the alleged assault, Mapfumo went to the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) station in Shurugwi carrying 14 sachets of dagga, claiming they belonged to her husband and alleging that he was involved in illegal drug dealing. However, police investigations allegedly established that the cannabis belonged to Mapfumo herself. She was subsequently arrested and charged with unlawful possession of dangerous drugs, in addition to the assault charge. Appearing before the court, Mapfumo admitted both offences.

Domestic Violence Affects Both Men and Women

The case highlights that domestic violence can affect people regardless of gender, with Zimbabwean law providing protection for all victims of abuse. Authorities continue to encourage victims of domestic violence to report incidents to the police and seek assistance through the courts and support services rather than resorting to violence or making false criminal allegations. Magistrate Zungula remanded Mapfumo in custody pending sentencing, with judgment expected next week.