Deputy head assaults headmistress

THE deputy headmaster of Garanyemba Primary School in Gwanda District has appeared in court for assaulting the school’s headmistress.

Nkululeko Ncube (55) from Nsimbi area in Gwanda was convicted on his own plea of guilty to assault by Gwanda magistrate, Miss Lerato Nyathi. He was sentenced to three months imprisonment which was wholly suspended on condition he does not commit a similar offence within the next three years.

Prosecuting, Miss Faith Mutukwa said Ncube assaulted Ms Audrey Moyo (48) on 28 February while they were within the school premises.

“On 28 February at around 1am, Ncube went to the teachers’ cottages and started insulting all teachers who live there. He further went to Ms Moyo’s cottage and started accusing her of abusing him.

“He further insulted Ms Moyo with vulgar words but she didn’t respond. Ncube slapped Ms Moyo several times on the face. Ms Moyo called out for help and she was assisted by other teachers. The matter was reported to the police resulting in Ncube’s arrest,” she said.

In mitigation Ncube through his lawyer Mr Given Sibanda of Legal Aid Directorate said he acted under the influence of alcohol on the day in question.

“My client erred Your Worship and he regrets his actions. He has been having conflicts with the complainant who hasn’t been treating him well up to the extent that he requested a transfer because of the ill-treatment he was getting.

“On the day in question the situation escalated just because my client was acting under the influence of alcohol and that’s why he ended up assaulting the complainant.

“Could you be lenient with my client Your Worship, as he has shown remorse over his actions. He is not well as he has a heart condition therefore a custodial sentence will be harsh on him,” he said.

In response Miss Mutukwa said being intoxicated did not justify Ncube’s actions as he had voluntarily consumed the alcohol.

She said Ncube was expected to be exemplary as he had been entrusted with the care of young children.