A 58-YEAR-OLD Gwanda man will perform 105 hours of community service for stabbing his ill wife with an okapi knife on the hand for failing to prepare him a meal. Gift Ndlovu of Selonga area pleaded guilty to physically abusing his wife Ms Thandiwe Thebe (30) when he was arraigned before magistrate Olivia Mashava Mashaire.
He was sentenced to three months imprisonment which was wholly suspended for five years on condition that he performs 105 hours of community service at Dombo Primary School.
Allegations by the State were that on 10 February this year at around 5am, Ndlovu went to help his friend to do field work.
At around 11am on the same day, Ndlovu arrived home drunk and he started demanding food and there was none since his wife, Ms Thebe was not feeling well.
“The accused went on to insult the complainant and threw away buckets of mealie-meal from the kitchen hut. The complainant went close to the accused trying to stop him from what he was doing. By the time the complainant got closer, the accused produced an okapi knife and tried to stab the complainant on the stomach two times and missed but tore her blouse with the knife.
“The accused then got hold of the complainant’s left hand and stabbed her with the knife and she sustained a cut,” said Mr Mncedisi Dube who represented the State.
Ms Thebe ran away but Ndlovu chased after her weilding the knife.
Suddenly Ms Thebe’s father arrived and tried to rescue his daughter.
Ndlovu then turned to his father-in-law who, however, managed to run away unhurt.
Ndlovu’s father-in-law went to report the matter to the police and later returned in the company of police officers who arrested Ndlovu.