Harare (New Ziana)– In a harrowing case that underscores the brutal realities of domestic violence, a 39-year-old man has been sentenced to 20 years in prison by the Bulawayo High Court for the murder of his pregnant wife.

The tragedy unfolded on May 18, 2016, in Ntalale, Guyu, Matabeleland South, after a heated argument over allegations of infidelity.

In a fit of rage, the accused Tsoanelo Sibanda turned violent, pursuing his wife Letshani Ndlovu (38) and striking her twice with a stone—once on her head and again on her left ear. The vicious assault left her unconscious and bleeding, and despite immediate efforts to transport her to a medical facility, Ndlovu succumbed to her injuries before reaching the hospital.

In a separate but equally disturbing case, a Shamva man has been sentenced to 20 years in prison by the Bindura Magistrate Court for the repeated rape of his 13-year-old stepdaughter.

The offender, whose identity has been withheld to protect the victim, committed the crime between November 2, 2024, and January 14, 2025, at their family home in Shamva.

The court heard that the man, who held a position of trust as the victim’s stepfather, exploited his authority to repeatedly assault the minor.

He allegedly threatened the young girl to ensure her silence, leaving her traumatized and unable to seek help. The abuse was only uncovered when the victim’s mother discovered a condom in her daughter’s blanket, prompting an immediate investigation.

The victim was referred to Shamva Hospital for a medical examination, where evidence of the assaults was documented and later presented in court.

New Ziana