BULAWAYO – Molly Magwaro, the 73-year-old wife of former Zimbabwe Saints chairman Lazarus Magwaro, has been sentenced to pay a fine of US$100 after being convicted of physically abusing her husband.
The sentence was handed down by Bulawayo magistrate Abednico Ndebele on Wednesday.
Before the proceedings began, the couple was seen sitting together in the courtroom, a stark contrast to the events that unfolded later.
Molly, who pleaded guilty to the charge, was initially sentenced to two months in prison. However, one month was suspended on the condition that she does not commit a similar offence within the next five years, while the remaining month was suspended on the condition that she pays the fine.
The court took into account her guilty plea, her status as a senior citizen, and the fact that she did not waste the court’s time during the proceedings.
The incident occurred on January 29 at the couple’s home in Morningside, Bulawayo, during a counseling session with three officers from the Mhlahlandlela Government Complex.
According to the prosecutor, Josephine Gurazhira, Molly allegedly slapped her 83-year-old husband on the head, causing him to fall. The session had been arranged by the former Chikwaya boss in an effort to resolve their marital issues.
Following the assault, a police report was filed, leading to Molly’s arrest.
Magwaro expressed dissatisfaction with the sentence. During the court proceedings, he stood up and shouted, “Ko inini andina say (So I don’t have a say?)”
He was restrained by police officers and escorted out of the courtroom while continuing to voice his anger.
Molly is expected to comply with the court’s ruling by March 7.
