Beitbridge – A 35-year-old man from Dilubadzimu high-density suburb in beitbridge has been sentenced to seven years in prison for the attempted murder of his ex-wife.
The incident left the victim with a life-threatening stomach wound occurred on the 27th of August 2024.
The National Prosecuting Authority of Zimbabwe (NPAZ) detailed the horrific events in a statement on X. It was revealed that the accused was driven by a fit of rage when he stormed into his ex-wife’s residence, barged into her room, and locked the door.
“The accused person told the complainant that he had come to kill her. He removed his jacket and pulled an okapi knife from his waist and tried to stab the complainant who grabbed the knife with both hands,” the NPAZ statement read.
A desperate struggle ensued, with the victim desperately trying to defend herself against the relentless attack. The accused, however, overpowered her, inflicting several deep cuts on both her hands.
“The complainant screamed for help before the accused person stabbed her once in the stomach, leaving her intestines protruding,” the NPAZ statement continued.
The victim’s cries for help were heard by a fellow tenant, who rushed to the room. The victim, weakened and in excruciating pain, managed to unlock the door, allowing the tenant to enter. The accused, seeing his chance, fled the scene.
The tenant who witnessed the horrific scene immediately took the victim to Beitbridge District Hospital. The severity of her injuries, however, necessitated her transfer to Gwanda Provincial Hospital for further treatment.
The accused was apprehended following a police report and was subsequently brought to justice. After considering the evidence and the gravity of the crime, the court handed down the seven-year prison sentence.
The NPAZ, in its statement, emphasized the commitment of the justice system to hold perpetrators accountable for their actions.
“The NPAZ is committed to ensuring that all perpetrators of gender-based violence are brought to justice. We urge all victims of abuse to report such incidents to the police or any other relevant authorities,” the statement read.