Mangochi Magistrate’s Court has sentenced Nunu Saidi, 20, to 17 years imprisonment for scalding her husband over financial issues.
State prosecutor Blessings Madikhula told the court that the victim married the convict last year. The husband is said to have found her with three children from her previous marriage.
He said in July this year, the couple separated and Saidi left her matrimonial home.
Madikhula said the woman returned to her house on August 28 and asked her husband for financial support for the initiation ceremony of her children.
“The man refused, which angered the wife. They started fighting and Saidi poured hot water on her husband,” he said.
Madikhula said the victim was taken to Namwera Health Centre for treatment after sustaining burns.
In court, Saidi pleaded not guilty, but the State paraded three witnesses to prove its case.
In mitigation, she prayed for leniency, saying that her three children will suffer if sent to jail.
But Madikhula argued that the offence was grave; hence, she needed stiffer punishment.
However, he also wondered why human rights organisations did not condemn the act, noting it would not have been the same if the offender were a man.
Senior resident magistrate Rodrick Michongwe agreed with the State and handed her a custodial sentence.
Saidi comes from Mbalame Village, Traditional Authority Jalasi in the district.
