HARARE – The husband of opposition politician Linda Masarira has been spared jail after he was convicted of assault after allegedly punching her three times in the face.
Bongani Mlotshwa, 29, denied bashing the 41-year-old Masarira, who leads the fringe Labour, Economists, and African Democrats (LEAD) party but was convicted by an Epworth magistrate.
The incident happened on May 5.
In a statement on Tuesday, the National Prosecuting Authority said: “The state proved that on May 5, 2024, Mlotshwa assaulted Masarira thrice on the eye with clenched fists after she had found him sleeping in her daughter’s room.”
Mlotshwa was sentenced to 15 months imprisonment but five months were suspended for five years on condition he is not convicted of a similar office during the period.
“A further 10 months was suspended on condition that Mlotshwa performs 350 hours community service,” the NPA added.
The NPA urged couples to desist from violence and resolve their disputes amicably or seek third party mediation.
