A 23-YEAR-OLD man from Sebanga in Shurugwi who stabbed his wife after an argument over unpaid water bills has been jailed to an effective 16 years in prison after being convicted of attempted murder. Stephen Chadenga OWN CORRESPONDENT
Lesley Jamanda stabbed Margaret Sibanda in the back of her neck with a knife after she had told him she had no money and would settle the bills the following day. According to court documents, after stabbing Sibanda, Jamanda fled from the scene.
Regional magistrate, Morgan Nemadire sentenced Jamanda to 20 years in prison before suspending two years for five years on condition of good behaviour. A further two years were put aside on condition the accused paid $758 restitution to the complainant to cover medical expenses.
But in his defence, Jamanda had denied the offence insisting he had asked his wife why she had infected him with a sexually transmitted illness. He claimed the complainant poured tea on him and during the ensuing struggle a broken piece of a tea mug stabbed her by mistake.
But it was the State case that on February 1 2014 at around 10pm, the complainant was in the bedroom with the accused and their maid when the owner of the house arrived.
Jamanda allegedly asked the complainant to fork out money for outstanding water bills, but she advised him she would pay the following day after going to the bank.
Failure to produce the money angered the accused resulting in a harsh exchange of words prompting Jamanda to stab Sibanda in her neck.
