A Gwanda man has been slapped with a 20-year jail sentence for his wife’s murder after his 5-year-old child testifies of his crimes.
Incident Details that led to the murder
According to the NPA, on August 20, 2023, around 11:00 PM, the accused returned home to find his wife, Happiness Ngwenya, asleep in the bedroom with their two young children. An argument ensued after Ngwenya questioned his whereabouts.
The altercation escalated, with the accused assaulting his wife using clenched fists and a knobkerrie, targeting her knees and neck. Tragically, he also strangled her, leading to her death.
ALSO READ: Last Dance? Zimbabwean Footballer Endorsed by Benzema Hints at Quitting National Team Aged 28
Postmortem and Investigation
The postmortem report revealed that Ngwenya’s death was due to strangulation and mechanical asphyxia. A key breakthrough in the investigation came when the couple’s five-year-old child informed the police that she had witnessed her father strangling her mother.
On August 31, 2023, the accused was apprehended in Bulawayo, where he had been hiding at his sister’s residence.
ALSO READ: Prophet Madungwe Appeals For Help As His Landlady Chases Him For Rent
Trial and Sentencing
During the trial on May 30, 2024, the accused claimed he acted in self-defence, alleging that his wife had grabbed his testicles during the argument. However, the testimony of the five-year-old child contradicted this, portraying the accused as the aggressor.
The child’s testimony was deemed credible, leading to the accused’s conviction for murder. Consequently, he was sentenced to 20 years in prison.
Follow Us on Google News for Immediate Updates
#Gwanda #man #years #prison #murder
