PIGG’S PEAK – A 39-year-old man from Sithantasweni appeared in court after physically abusing his wife when she delayed preparing breakfast because she was shaving after a bath.
Gcina Dlamini was charged under the Sexual Offences and Domestic Violence (SODV) Act of 2018 before Magistrate Nkosingiphile Maseko.
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According to the charge sheet, he abused his wife, Jabulile Nkambule, by pouring fresh milk over her body and threatening to kill her.
What Triggered the Abuse
The accused told the court he “lost his cool” after asking his wife for breakfast. When he went to check why she was taking long, he found her shaving herself, which infuriated him and led to a heated argument.
Magistrate Maseko condemned Dlamini’s actions, reminding him that no matter the situation, abuse could never be justified.
“What is wrong if your wife was shaving herself? That is part of hygiene. Why didn’t you help her so she could finish quickly?” the magistrate asked.
Dlamini replied that he was hungry but admitted he could have assisted his wife, saying he still loved her.
Family Dispute and Court Orders
The incident occurred on August 26, after which Nkambule left her matrimonial home for her parental homestead.
She told the court she was still processing the abuse and had not yet decided whether to return, despite her husband’s repeated apologies and calls.
Prosecutor Abel Shabangu applied to invoke Section 83 of the SODV Act, compelling both parties to maintain peace.
The court ordered that:
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The couple must not abuse each other at all times.
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The Dlamini and Nkambule families convene a meeting to deliberate on the matter.
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Minutes of the family meeting be submitted to court by October 31.
Sentence
Dlamini, a father of six, pleaded for leniency. He was sentenced to two years in prison or a fine of E2 000. Half of the sentence was suspended for 12 months on condition of good behaviour.
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