Police Prosecutor Inspector Isaac Mponela told the court that Idrissa assaulted his wife on the night of June 14, 2015 at Kwitanda Village in Traditional Authority Msamala.

Mponela said she was assaulted for refusing to surrender the money realised from the sale of tomatoes.
Narrating the matter in detail, Investigator Detective Sergeant Saiti Sokole said on June 13, the victim went to sell tomatoes at Mangochi Turn-off and returned the following day.

When she got back home, the husband demanded the money realised, but the wife refused, according to Sokole.

"This angered the suspect who attacked her with a panga knife to which she sustained multiple injuries on the head, nose and lost a finger. The victim was then rushed to Balaka District Hospital where she was admitted and has since been discharged," explained Sokole.

And appearing before the Balaka Second Grade Magistrate Court, Idrissa pleaded guilty to the charge of grievous bodily harm which contravenes section 238 of the Penal Code.

In his submission before judgment, Prosecutor Mponela told the court that cases of gender based violence were on the increase in the country, hence the need to issue a stiffer punishment for Idrissa.

Mponela reiterated that the victim had a permanent disfigurement and considering the seriousness of the offence which attracts a maximum sentence of 14 years IHL, Idrisa deserved a stiffer punishment.

Idrissa, on the other hand, pleaded for leniency, saying he had children to look after who would suffer if sentenced for a longer period.

And passing judgment, Second Grade Magistrate Victor Sibu noted that Idrissa deserved a stiff punishment as he was aware of his responsibilities before committing the offence.

Magistrate Sibu then sentenced Idrissa to six years imprisonment wit hard labour.

Ajida Idrissa hails from Nduta village, Traditional Authority Msamala in Balaka.