MADZIWA – A 37-year-old man, Lloyd Jeke, has been sentenced to seven years in prison, with two years suspended on condition of good behaviour, after attempting to kill his ex-wife by setting her bedroom ablaze, a shocking case that has drawn attention to the risks of domestic violence in the region.
Magistrate Sheila Nazombe handed down the sentence at Madziwa Magistrates’ Court following the prosecution of Jeke, who was found guilty of attempted murder in a case that horrified the local community. The magistrate highlighted the gravity of the crime, describing it as a deliberate act of violence with the potential to cause serious loss of life.
According to evidence presented in court by Prosecutor Edward Katsvairo, the incident occurred on the night of 3 September 2024, when Jeke allegedly arrived at the residence of his ex-wife, Thandi Bondamakara. Reports indicate that the man waited until late at night before approaching the house. Once there, he reportedly broke a window to gain access to the bedroom where Bondamakara was asleep. Prosecutors allege that he then deliberately set the room on fire, with the intent of causing serious harm, if not death.
Miraculously, Bondamakara awoke in time to escape the flames. Witnesses told the court that she fled through another exit, sustaining minor injuries but surviving the ordeal. Her prompt action, coupled with her quick thinking under extreme duress, is believed to have prevented what could have been a tragic outcome.
Law enforcement officers were immediately alerted to the fire and responded swiftly. Jeke was apprehended later that same night at the scene, and the local police moved quickly to ensure both his arrest and the safety of the victim. The authorities described the case as particularly alarming, noting that deliberate fire-setting as a method of attack is both highly dangerous and rarely survivable.
Court Sends Man to Prison for Setting Ex-Wife’s House Ablaze
During the court proceedings, Katsvairo emphasised the premeditated nature of Jeke’s actions. He argued that the deliberate breaking of a window and the setting of the fire demonstrated clear intent to harm or kill, rather than a spontaneous act. “This was not a momentary lapse or a reckless accident,” the prosecutor told the magistrate. “It was a deliberate plan to end the life of the victim.”
The defence argued for leniency, suggesting that Jeke’s actions were influenced by emotional distress stemming from the breakdown of his marriage. However, Magistrate Nazombe rejected this line of reasoning, stressing that the crime was violent, intentional, and could have had fatal consequences. In handing down the sentence, she reminded the court of the need to deter similar acts of domestic violence in the community.
Jeke was sentenced to seven years’ imprisonment, with two years suspended on condition that he maintains good behaviour during the term of his sentence. The magistrate highlighted that the suspension was a measure to encourage rehabilitation but cautioned that any further breaches of the law would result in the full sentence being enforced.
The case has sparked discussion among residents in Madziwa and surrounding areas about the prevalence and risks of domestic violence. Community leaders have expressed concern about the escalation of conflicts into life-threatening situations and have called for greater support systems for victims. “Incidents like this are a wake-up call for all of us,” one local activist said. “We need to ensure that survivors of domestic disputes have access to protection, counseling, and legal support before matters escalate to such extremes.”
Bondamakara, while shaken by the experience, expressed relief that justice had been served. In a brief statement after the trial, she urged other victims of domestic violence to report threats and seek help from authorities before situations deteriorate. “I am grateful to be alive,” she said. “I hope my story encourages others not to suffer in silence and to reach out for support.”
Law enforcement officials also took the opportunity to warn the public about the dangers of retaliatory acts following domestic disputes. They emphasised that any form of violent retaliation, particularly using fire or other potentially lethal methods, is punishable under Zimbabwean law and will be met with severe consequences.
The sentence delivered by Magistrate Nazombe serves as a reminder of the legal system’s commitment to protecting victims of domestic violence and punishing those who attempt to harm them. It underscores the importance of timely police intervention and the role of the courts in ensuring accountability for dangerous and premeditated criminal acts.
As Jeke begins his prison term, the community of Madziwa reflects on the narrow escape of Bondamakara and the broader need for ongoing education, intervention, and legal support to prevent similar violent incidents in the future. This case has not only highlighted the serious consequences of domestic violence but has also reinforced the message that deliberate attempts to harm others will not be tolerated by the courts.
Source- Byo24
