Violent Outburst: Man assaults wife, inflicts bite wounds over suspicion of infidelity
In a disturbing incident that unfolded at a matrimonial home, Essa Bhika (21) allegedly unleashed a brutal attack on his wife, Cleopatra Masiya (20), biting her on the lower lip, thigh, and hand. The assault reportedly erupted after Bhika discovered a co-tenant’s phone number saved in his wife’s cellphone, leading him to suspect an extramarital affair.
Appearing before Magistrate Evelyn Mashavakure at the Harare Magistrates’ Courts, Bhika denied the charges of physical abuse levelled against him. The state, represented by Kudzanai Mudzamiri, opposed Bhika’s release on bail, citing concerns that he might interfere with the witness, considering that they shared a matrimonial home.
Nevertheless, Bhika was granted bail in the amount of US$40 and is scheduled to return to court on December 18 for trial.
According to the prosecution’s account, the incident unfolded around 8 p.m. on November 19 when Bhika stumbled upon the co-tenant’s phone number in his wife’s cellphone, triggering suspicions of an illicit relationship. Fuelled by anger, Bhika allegedly assaulted Masiya, with the assault only ceasing when Bhika’s father intervened and contacted the police.
During the altercation, Bhika’s sister attempted to restrain him, but he purportedly issued threats against her life. The severity of the assault resulted in Masiya sustaining multiple injuries, prompting a medical examination to document the extent of her wounds.
