By Tabeth John
BINDURA — A disturbing incident unfolded recently when a 24-year-old woman allegedly splashed her ex-husband with hot cooking oil, causing serious burns to his face.
Grace Mazvidza, of Kufa Village under Chief Musana in Bindura, appeared at the Bindura Magistrates’ Court facing charges of domestic violence.
She has been charged with physical abuse under Section 3(1)(a), read together with Section 4 of the Domestic Violence Act [Chapter 5:16].
Mazvidza allegedly assaulted her ex-husband, Emmanuel Mandyoro, a 30-year-old gardener residing in Borrowdale, Harare, on 4 April 2026.
According to court papers, Mandyoro visited his ex-mother-in-law’s homestead in Kufa Village, under Chief Musana in Bindura, to check on his child. The court heard that the former couple rarely meet, and Mandyoro only visited because he was informed that Mazvidza would not be present.
He went to the tuckshop with his son and returned later.
While Mandyoro was seated outside the kitchen chatting with his ex-mother-in-law, Mazvidza emerged from the kitchen holding a black pot. She reportedly approached him, exchanged a few words, and then suddenly splashed hot cooking oil on the right side of his face and right hand.
The complainant attempted to flee, but Mazvidza pursued him and, as if the first attack was not enough, splashed hot cooking oil on him again—this time striking his back and left hand.
Mandyoro sustained burns to the right side of his face, both hands, and his back.
He was medically examined, and a medical affidavit is expected to be presented in court.
The State indicated it will present evidence from the complainant and maintains that the accused acted unlawfully.
The matter is being heard under summary jurisdiction.
