DOMBOSHAVA – A disturbing incident of domestic violence has left a young mother hospitalised and unable to breastfeed her two-week-old daughter after her husband allegedly scalded her with hot porridge.
The incident occurred last Thursday in Domboshava, plunging the community into shock and raising concerns about the safety of women in their homes.
Itayi Chingoka suffered severe burns to her face and body after her husband, Lazarus Brazara, also known as Kakaka, allegedly threw a pot of boiling porridge at her during a heated argument. The attack took place in front of their children, adding another layer of trauma to the already horrific situation.
Following the attack, Itayi was rushed to Makumbe District Hospital, where she remains admitted for treatment. The severity of her burns has forced her to stop breastfeeding her newborn daughter, leaving her distressed and seeking assistance.
Chinamhora police arrested Lazarus following the incident. However, he was later released after questioning, a development that has left Itayi and her family seeking justice.
According to Itayi, Lazarus arrived home drunk on the day of the incident and began shouting vulgar words in front of their children. She confronted him about his behaviour, warning him against using such language in the presence of their children. This, she believes, triggered his violent outburst.
“My husband came home drunk and started shouting at me using bad language,” Itayi recounted.
“I warned him over using obscene language since our children were there. I was preparing sadza and he took the pot and splashed the hot porridge at me.”
Last Thursday in Domboshava, Lazarus Brazara was arrested by Chinamhora police after splashing hot porridge on his wife, Itayi Chingoka, severely burning her face and body. At the time of the incident, Lazarus was reportedly drunk and shouting vulgar words in front of their… pic.twitter.com/9zfR5FyHwL
— Crime Watch Zimbabwe (@crimewatchzw) October 7, 2024
The incident has left Itayi not only physically scarred but also emotionally traumatised. The inability to breastfeed her newborn daughter adds to her distress, highlighting the far-reaching consequences of domestic violence.
H-Metro attempted to contact Lazarus for his version of events, but he was unreachable. His release from police custody has raised questions and concerns within the community, particularly regarding the protection of victims of domestic violence.
