Court Slaps Nyanga Woman With Four-Year Sentence for Father-in-Law’s Death
NYANGA – A domestic dispute in Nyanga turned fatal, resulting in a four-year prison sentence for a woman convicted of culpable homicide after physically assaulting her father-in-law.
Melody Fombe (30) from Dzapasi Village under Chief Katerere, was handed the sentence by Mutare regional magistrate Phathekile Msipa.
The court heard that on 5 August 2024, at around 4 AM, Fombe was at home with her father-in-law, Conlious Chitambwe, after his daughter, Mitchel, had earlier left to collect firewood.
A disagreement escalated, leading Fombe to slap Chitambwe and shove him against a sofa, causing severe injuries.
Chitambwe was first admitted to Nyanga District Hospital before being transferred to Victoria Chitepo Provincial Hospital in Mutare.
Despite receiving medical treatment for several weeks, he passed away on 16 September 2024 due to complications from his injuries.
A post-mortem conducted by Dr. Robert Guillen confirmed the cause of death.
Manica Post reported that the court considered several mitigating factors before handing down the sentence.
She will serve four years in prison after one year was suspended on condition of good behavior over the next five years.
