A woman from Fairbridge, Bulawayo, endured a terrifying night of violence after her intoxicated husband stormed into their home, accused her of witchcraft and prostitution, and launched a brutal physical assault that left her nursing serious injuries, including three loose teeth.
The shocking incident, which unfolded at the couple’s home in Fairbridge camp, has now culminated in a court case that has drawn widespread condemnation over growing incidents of gender-based violence in Zimbabwean homes.
According to evidence presented before the Bulawayo Magistrates Court, the accused, Terrence Zibgwowa, arrived home in the evening visibly drunk and emanating a strong stench of alcohol. Upon entering the house, he allegedly confronted his wife, Susan Zibgwowa, demanding his cellphone.
The bizarre part? The phone was already in his hand.
“He walked in and said, ‘Where’s my phone?’ yet he was holding it,” Susan told the court. “I pointed it out, and that’s when he snapped.”
Instead of calming down, Terrence reportedly exploded in a drunken rage, accusing his wife of being a witch and a prostitute. He then issued chilling threats, vowing to kill her. Moments later, he allegedly began a violent assault in the middle of their living room, which turned into what Susan described as a “boxing ring.”
“He slapped me several times, punched me all over my body, and kicked me in the mouth,” she testified. “Three of my teeth are still shaking, and I honestly thought I wasn’t going to make it out alive.”
Fearing for her life, Susan managed to flee the house and went straight to the police station to report the attack. Terrence was arrested shortly afterward and brought before Magistrate Takudzwa Gwazemba to face charges of physical abuse under the Domestic Violence Act.
Drunken Rage Lands Fairbridge Man in Court Over Domestic Violence
In court, Terrence attempted to downplay the incident, claiming there was no violence involved despite the visible injuries sustained by his wife.
“Yes, we had a heated argument. We exchanged some harsh words, but I never laid a hand on her. I don’t know where these assault allegations are coming from,” he told the court.
However, Susan’s testimony painted a different picture. She was visibly emotional as she recounted the events of that night, detailing how what started as an illogical demand for a phone escalated into a full-blown assault.
“He was completely drunk. He kept calling me names and saying I would die that night. I’ve never been so scared in my life,” she said, adding that the verbal and physical abuse had become a pattern in recent months.
The case has sparked outrage among women’s rights advocates and social media users, many of whom are calling for harsher penalties for domestic abusers and more robust protective mechanisms for victims of intimate partner violence.
“This is not just about one woman being assaulted. This is about a culture of impunity and toxic masculinity that continues to endanger women in their own homes,” said Rudo Mutsvangwa, a gender rights activist in Bulawayo. “We must start treating domestic abuse as the serious crime it is.”
Legal experts say Terrence could face a fine, community service, or even a custodial sentence, depending on the magistrate’s ruling at the sentencing hearing scheduled for August 4.
Meanwhile, community leaders in Fairbridge camp have weighed in, urging couples to seek help when faced with marital problems rather than resorting to violence. One local pastor, speaking anonymously, said, “Alcohol abuse and unresolved emotional issues are destroying families. Men must be taught that physical aggression is never an acceptable form of communication.”
Susan is currently recovering from her injuries but remains deeply shaken by the ordeal. Sources close to the family say she is considering seeking a protection order and may be looking into relocating to ensure her safety.
As the country continues to battle increasing cases of domestic violence, this case serves as a grim reminder of the need for both legal and societal reforms. The hope, many say, is that justice will not only be done in court but will also spark dialogue around how to better protect vulnerable individuals from violence in the home.
