An Epworth woman, Charlotte Choto, has been sentenced to 20 years in prison for strangling her partner, Jehu Rubaba.
The National Prosecuting Authority of Zimbabwe (NPAZ) confirmed the sentence, highlighting the fatal consequences of the confrontation, which began after Rubaba found his family eating rice and chicken.
“A High Court has sentenced Epworth woman Charlotte Choto to 20 years in prison for strangling her partner, Jehu Rubaba, with the hood of his jacket during a domestic dispute,” the NPAZ said.
According to the NPAZ, High Court judge Justice Catherine Bachi-Mzawazi convicted the 39-year-old Choto of murder with constructive intent in aggravating circumstances after rejecting her claim that she had acted in self-defence.
“The court heard that the incident occurred on December 27 when Rubaba returned home intoxicated and insisted on being served sadza, leading to an argument that escalated into a physical confrontation in the couple’s bedroom,” NPAZ said.
The NPAZ statement detailed the circumstances surrounding the killing, saying Rubaba had returned home drunk and demanded to be served sadza after finding his family eating rice and chicken.
“The confrontation turned fatal when Choto strangled her partner using the hood of his jacket. Court proceedings further established that she continued assaulting him after he had collapsed,” the Authority said.
In passing sentence, Justice Mzawazi identified the continued strangulation and further assaults on a helpless victim as aggravating factors. The judge also considered that Choto was a first offender and had expressed remorse but found that the seriousness of the offence warranted a lengthy prison term.
“Choto had been sentenced to 20 years’ imprisonment by the High Court, bringing the case to its sentencing stage,” NPAZ said
The case highlights the devastating consequences of domestic disputes that escalate into violence, resulting in the loss of life and lasting harm to families.
