Man torches wife, baby on back, gets seven years hard time

A Zvishavane man received a nine-year prison sentence for trying to kill his wife by setting her on fire. Innocent Nyamandi, who is fifty-one, was convicted of attempted murder after pouring petrol on his spouse, Sibongile Chikozho, and igniting it with a lighter during an argument. Their eleven-month-old child was strapped to her back at the time. Regional magistrate Tawenga Sangster suspended two years of the term, leaving Nyamandi to serve an effective seven years behind bars.

The attack happened last November after Nyamandi accused his wife of being unfaithful. He confronted her at her shop the morning after she spent a night away from home, doused her in fuel, and set her alight before running away. Chikozho suffered severe burns to her head, chest, back, and hands, requiring hospital treatment. Police arrested Nyamandi following a report of the incident.

This case surfaces during ongoing calls from officials and community groups for people to report domestic violence, which remains a severe problem nationally. Courts have repeatedly stated that perpetrators of such brutal crimes, especially those endangering women and children, will face harsh penalties. The government has been pushing for stronger enforcement of relevant laws and more public awareness campaigns to combat this kind of abuse.