Father Sentenced to 10 Years in Jail for Fatal Assault on Daughter in Hwedza
A 52-year-old man from Hwedza has been handed a 10-year prison sentence by High Court judge Justice Esther Muremba after he fatally assaulted his daughter, accusing her of promiscuity. Nomore Makwinja, the convicted father, maintained his innocence throughout the trial, claiming that he had only disciplined his 16-year-old daughter, Diana.
Tragically, Diana lost her life just as she was about to sit for her Ordinary Level examinations. Makwinja’s sister, Diana Makwinja (63), who shares the same name as the deceased, was jointly charged but ultimately cleared of any wrongdoing.
During the trial, Makwinja argued that physical beatings on the backside could not result in death. However, Prosecutor Caroline Mutimusakwa contended that Makwinja should be convicted of murder due to the prolonged and vicious nature of the assault, as well as his failure to seek medical attention for Diana.
The court heard that concerned neighbours alerted the police, who then took Diana to the hospital after receiving an anonymous call. A post-mortem examination revealed that Diana had developed an abscess on her backside, leading to a severe infection that affected vital organs such as the liver, kidneys, lungs, and heart.
In her ruling, Justice Esther Muremba acquitted both accused individuals of murder. However, Makwinja was found guilty of culpable homicide under section 47 of the Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Act. As a result, he will serve a prison term of five years, with half of his sentence suspended on the condition of good behavior.
