By Kudakwashe Kutinyo

A Lupane man who abused his wife has found out the hard way that violence is not accepted in society especially within the marriage institution.

He will now have time to ponder his actions while languishing in jail.

According to reports, the man allegedly subjected his wife to physical abuse, employing various forms of violence, including whipping, slapping, and punching, which resulted in severe injuries.

The disturbing incidents took place on two separate occasions, last December 27 and January 2, this year. The altercations stemmed from a misunderstanding that led to a breakdown in communication.

A confrontation erupted on Christmas Eve when the accused demanded to know the complainant’s whereabouts, escalating into violence. Fearing for her safety, the wife fled and sought refuge elsewhere to escape further abuse.

The accused later went to his wife’s aunt’s homestead, where she had sought refuge, and begged for forgiveness, asking her to reconcile and return home with him.

In a fit of rage, the accused violently assaulted his wife, accusing her of being unfaithful and repeatedly struck her with a whip at their residence.

The court handed down a 12-month prison sentence to the accused, with six months suspended on condition of good behaviour and the accused does not commit a similar offense.

The country has enacted the Domestic Violence Act, which strongly prohibits domestic violence and prescribes a maximum penalty of 10 years’ imprisonment for offenders.

The court’s ruling sets a precedent, serving as a warning to the community that such behaviour will be discouraged by the law.

Domestic violence cases are alarmingly rising nationwide, with many women suffering in silence due to fear of inadequate support or protecting their marriages.