Woman fined E2 000 for assaulting boyfriend

A 24-year-old Nkamazi woman has been fined E2 000 or two years imprisonment after assaulting her boyfriend while intoxicated.

Thembekile Shiba appeared before Magistrate Sifiso Vilakati in the Mbabane Magistrate’s Court on charges of assault.

The incident occurred on March 22, at Mantabeni in the Hhohho Region.

According to court proceedings, Shiba assaulted her boyfriend, Bongani Dlamini using open hands, repeatedly striking him on the face. She also tore his t-shirt while grabbing him and hurled insults during the altercation.

The court heard that Shiba was charged with contravening Section 77(1)(a)(c) of the Sexual Offences and Domestic Violence Act 15 of 2018.

When advised of her constitutional rights, she elected to conduct her own defence.

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In her submission, Shiba told the court that her boyfriend had said hurtful things to her prior to the assault and that she was under the influence of alcohol at the time.

During mitigation, she apologised for her actions, stating that it was her first offence and would be her last. She also told the court that she has a minor child who depends on her.

In passing sentence, Magistrate Vilakati fined her E2 000 or spend two years in a correctional facility.

He further cautioned her to refrain from alcohol abuse and violent behaviour, stressing that the court condemns all forms of violence.