A bitter family dispute in Ntabazinduna took a violent turn when a 30-year-old woman allegedly attacked her own mother with a machete during a heated argument over a birth certificate. The incident, which left the mother seriously injured, unfolded on the evening of 4 July and has since sparked shock and concern in the local community.
The accused, Aydah Tshuma, reportedly became enraged after her mother, 58-year-old Reginah Tshuma, failed to produce the birth certificate for Aydah’s young daughter. The birth certificate was urgently needed as part of legal proceedings after the child was reportedly a victim of sexual abuse. Aydah was seeking to use the document as evidence to pursue justice.
According to court documents, tensions began earlier in the day when Aydah instructed her three children to pack their belongings, announcing that they would be leaving their grandmother’s home. The move seemed to mark a growing rift between mother and daughter.
That evening, after supper, the confrontation escalated. Aydah once again demanded the birth certificate, but Reginah maintained that she did not have it. She told her daughter to search the house thoroughly for the document, but this only heightened the tension.
After putting her children to bed, the woman stepped outside for a moment. When she returned, she was wielding a heavy machete. Sensing imminent danger, Reginah attempted to protect her head and neck by raising her hands in defense.
But the woman swung the weapon with force, striking her mother’s hands and causing serious injuries. The blow was severe enough to fracture Reginah’s right wrist, with the bone protruding through the skin. Both hands were slashed in the attack, leaving her bleeding profusely and in immense pain.
Woman Hacks Own Mother with Machete After Dispute Over Birth Certificate
In her agony, Reginah called out to her grandchildren, who quickly ran to fetch a neighbour for help. The neighbour arrived promptly, administered first aid, and alerted the police. Emergency responders then took Reginah to a local hospital for urgent treatment.
At the subsequent court hearing, Magistrate Taurai Manuere addressed the woman directly, condemning the violent nature of the assault. “The weapon you used was dangerous,” Manuere said sternly. “You put too much force into it, and it was a fatal blow.”
When questioned about her intentions, the woman admitted to inflicting pain but denied any intent to kill her mother. “I had not intended to kill her; I only wanted to inflict pain,” she told the court.
After considering the evidence, Magistrate Manuere found the woman guilty of assault under Section 69 of the Criminal Law Codification but acquitted her of attempted murder charges.
The court proceedings will continue later today at 2 PM, where sentencing will take place. Observers expect the judge to consider the severity of the injuries and the circumstances leading to the violent incident.
The case has sent ripples through the Ntabazinduna community, highlighting ongoing tensions within families and raising questions about the support systems available for victims of abuse and their families.
Local leaders have urged calm and emphasized the importance of resolving family disputes through dialogue rather than violence. They also called for increased awareness around protecting vulnerable children and ensuring that legal documents like birth certificates are handled responsibly.
Meanwhile, the plight of Reginah Tshuma remains a concern, as she continues to recover from her injuries. Medical reports indicate that the fractured wrist will require surgery and extensive rehabilitation.
As this tragic incident unfolds in the courts, it serves as a stark reminder of the complexities and challenges that can arise within families, especially when issues of trust, protection, and legal rights collide.
The community hopes for a just resolution that will bring some measure of peace to both mother and daughter and prevent further violence in the future.
Source- Bulawayo24
