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HB88-12 - THE STATE vs LOVEMORE ZULU

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Indictment-viz plea of guilty re limited plea iro the statement of agreed facts.
Charge-viz guilty plea re limited plea iro the statement of agreed facts.
Procedural Law-viz rules of evidence re findings of fact iro concessions between counsel.
Procedural Law-viz rules of evidence re findings of fact iro agreements between counsel.
Murder-viz culpable homicide re violent conduct.
Sentencing-viz culpable homicide.
Sentencing-viz sentencing approach re the pre-sentence enquiry iro assessment of mitigatory and aggravating features.
Sentencing-viz sentencing approach re first offenders.
Sentencing-viz sentencing approach re medical condition of the accused person iro medical affidavit.
Sentencing-viz sentencing approach re provocation.
Sentencing-viz sentencing approach re crime of passion.
Domestic Violence-viz physical confrontation.
Sentencing-viz sentencing approach re guilty plea iro contrition.
Sentencing-viz sentencing approach re plea of guilty iro remorse.
Procedural Law-viz rules of evidence re expert evidence iro post mortem report.

Findings of Fact re: Concessions or Agreements Between Counsel and the Abandonment of Concessions or Agreements


The accused was charged with the crime of murder; it being alleged that on the 25th of November 2011, and at homestead of Borehole 33 Village, Chief Mvutu, Victoria Falls, you wrongfully and unlawfully and intentionally killed Delight Ndlovu a female adult aged 34 years.

You pleaded Not Guilty, and, accordingly, we entered a plea of not guilty. The accused tendered, through his defence counsel, a limited plea of guilty with respect to culpable homicide.

The court accepts that the concession made by the State, in accepting a limited plea, was properly made and therefore you are found guilty of culpable homicide. You were acquitted on the charge of murder….,.

Indictment or Charge re: Plea of Guilty iro Limited Plea, Plea Bargaining and Stated Case Proceedings


The accused was charged with the crime of murder; it being alleged that on the 25th of November 2011, and at homestead of Borehole 33 Village, Chief Mvutu, Victoria Falls, you wrongfully and unlawfully and intentionally killed Delight Ndlovu a female adult aged 34 years.

You pleaded Not Guilty, and, accordingly, we entered a plea of not guilty. The accused tendered, through his defence counsel, a limited plea of guilty with respect to culpable homicide.

The court accepts that the concession made by the State, in accepting a limited plea, was properly made and therefore you are found guilty of culpable homicide. You were acquitted on the charge of murder….,.

The accused assaulted his wife using a log all over the body indiscriminately. The accused was not under the influence of liquor at the time of the offence. He acted recklessly and even though there was some provocation we find that the extent of provocation was not proportionate to the conduct or reaction of the accused. The deceased was the accused's wife. They have two minor children together. The children are now going to grow without a mother. The accused found his wife drinking beer with male persons and suspected she was having an affair outside marriage. The court accepts that there was that provocation. 

However, against that, the behaviour of the accused was totally not inexcusable. The accused did not find the wife in an uncompromising position.

Domestic Violence and Gender Based Violence


The accused was charged with the crime of murder; it being alleged that on the 25th of November 2011, and at homestead of Borehole 33 Village, Chief Mvutu, Victoria Falls, you wrongfully and unlawfully and intentionally killed Delight Ndlovu a female adult aged 34 years.

You pleaded Not Guilty, and, accordingly, we entered a plea of not guilty. The accused tendered, through his defence counsel, a limited plea of guilty with respect to culpable homicide.

The court accepts that the concession made by the State, in accepting a limited plea, was properly made and therefore you are found guilty of culpable homicide. You were acquitted on the charge of murder….,.

The accused assaulted his wife using a log all over the body indiscriminately. The accused was not under the influence of liquor at the time of the offence. He acted recklessly and even though there was some provocation we find that the extent of provocation was not proportionate to the conduct or reaction of the accused. The deceased was the accused's wife. They have two minor children together. The children are now going to grow without a mother. The accused found his wife drinking beer with male persons and suspected she was having an affair outside marriage. The court accepts that there was that provocation. 

However, against that, the behaviour of the accused was totally not inexcusable. The accused did not find the wife in an uncompromising position.

Murder re: Culpable Homicide iro Violent Conduct, Exceeding Limits of Self Defence and the Eye for an Eye Doctrine


The accused was charged with the crime of murder; it being alleged that on the 25th of November 2011, and at homestead of Borehole 33 Village, Chief Mvutu, Victoria Falls, you wrongfully and unlawfully and intentionally killed Delight Ndlovu a female adult aged 34 years.

You pleaded Not Guilty, and, accordingly, we entered a plea of not guilty. The accused tendered, through his defence counsel, a limited plea of guilty with respect to culpable homicide.

The court accepts that the concession made by the State, in accepting a limited plea, was properly made and therefore you are found guilty of culpable homicide. You were acquitted on the charge of murder….,.

The accused assaulted his wife using a log all over the body indiscriminately. The accused was not under the influence of liquor at the time of the offence. He acted recklessly and even though there was some provocation we find that the extent of provocation was not proportionate to the conduct or reaction of the accused. The deceased was the accused's wife. They have two minor children together. The children are now going to grow without a mother. The accused found his wife drinking beer with male persons and suspected she was having an affair outside marriage. The court accepts that there was that provocation. 

However, against that, the behaviour of the accused was totally not inexcusable. The accused did not find the wife in an uncompromising position.

Sentencing re: Approach iro Medical Considerations


Address in mitigation by the defence counsel:...,.

The accused is HIV positive (do not have medical proof).

Sentencing re: Approach iro Extenuating Circumstances, Assessment of Blameworthiness & Effect on Mandatory Sentences


Address in mitigation by the defence counsel:...,.

I urge the court to take into account that the accused person was provoked.

He could not stomach the fact that his wife was seeing other men. He acted in the heat of the moment....,.

By State: Address in aggravation

This is a case where the accused acted precipitately. He acted on a mere suspicion. Its humbly submitted that such a set up is not unusual where people of different sexes share the same cup of beer....,.

Reasons for sentence...,.

The accused assaulted his wife using a log all over the body indiscriminately. The accused was not under the influence of liquor at the time of the offence. He acted recklessly and even though there was some provocation we find that the extent of provocation was not proportionate to the conduct or reaction of the accused....,.

The accused found his wife drinking beer with male persons and suspected she was having an affair outside marriage. The court accepts that there was that provocation. However, against that, the behaviour of the accused was totally not inexcusable. The accused did not find the wife in an uncompromising position....,.

Your moral blameworthiness is very high. You were supposed to contain your anger and resolve the issue using your elders. You had no right to beat up your wife as if you were beating an animal. The force used was excessive and the post-mortem report shows that death was caused by;

(1) Asphyxia.

(2) Gastric contents aspiration.

(3) Assault.

The report shows that her spleen was raptured.

A deterrent sentence must be imposed. Cases of domestic violence are on the upsurge and society must be protected. These courts frown upon abusive spouses and the courts will show little sympathy against such offenders.

Sentencing re: Murder iro Culpable Homicide (Violent Conduct)


Address in mitigation by the defence counsel

The accused person is aged 36 years. He was married to the deceased and they had two minor children. The oldest is 15 years and youngest is 9 years. He was self employed as a wood carver. He was the sole bread-winner. He has no assets of considerable value or any savings. The accused is a first offender. It's his first time to be found on the wrong side of the law. The accused is HIV positive (do not have medical proof).

I urge the court to take into account that the accused person was provoked.

He could not stomach the fact that his wife was seeing other men. He acted in the heat of the moment. The accused person murdered his own wife and that still traumatises him. We submit that its punishment on its own.

In the case of S v Innocent Phiri HB05-12; the brief facts are that the accused person assaulted the deceased with mopani switches for burning down a kitchen hut. In that case, the accused was sentenced to 10 years imprisonment.

Mabutho Mutambo and Others HB78-11; the accused persons assaulted the deceased with switches all over the body and was sentenced to 6 years imprisonment.

The accused person is of sober habits.

By State: Address in aggravation

This is a case where the accused acted precipitately. He acted on a mere suspicion. Its humbly submitted that such a set up is not unusual where people of different sexes share the same cup of beer. The accused assaulted a defenceless woman with such a thick log. He did strike her repeatedly, therefore causing injuries on the deceased all over her body The deceased is the accused's wife. We would have expected him, even under provocation, not to go to such extremes. It is humbly submitted that even if the accused was provoked the provocation was minor. A sentence imposed has to show the attitude the courts have towards this behaviour. The force used was too excessive. A sentence in the region of 10 years will meet the justice of the case.

Reasons for sentence

The accused person pleaded not guilty to murder but tendered a limited plea of guilty with respect to culpable homicide. The court has accepted that the concession was properly made by the State. The accused person is therefore convicted of culpable homicide.

The accused assaulted his wife using a log all over the body indiscriminately. The accused was not under the influence of liquor at the time of the offence. He acted recklessly and even though there was some provocation we find that the extent of provocation was not proportionate to the conduct or reaction of the accused. The deceased was the accused's wife. They have two minor children together. The children are now going to grow without a mother. The accused found his wife drinking beer with male persons and suspected she was having an affair outside marriage. The court accepts that there was that provocation. However, against that, the behaviour of the accused was totally not inexcusable. The accused did not find the wife in an uncompromising position.

These are the factors in your favour:-

(1) You are a first offender.

(2) You pleaded guilty.

(3) You have shown some contrition.

(4) Family responsibilities.

That is all that can be said in your favour.

Your moral blameworthiness is very high. You were supposed to contain your anger and resolve the issue using your elders. You had no right to beat up your wife as if you were beating an animal. The force used was excessive and the post-mortem report shows that death was caused by;

(1) Asphyxia.

(2) Gastric contents aspiration.

(3) Assault.

The report shows that her spleen was raptured.

A deterrent sentence must be imposed. Cases of domestic violence are on the upsurge and society must be protected. These courts frown upon abusive spouses and the courts will show little sympathy against such offenders.

Sentence

Effective sentence: 10 years imprisonment.

Expert Evidence, Opinion Evidence and Toolmark Evidence re: Approach and the Limited Expert Knowledge of the Court


The post-mortem report shows that death was caused by;

(1) Asphyxia.

(2) Gastric contents aspiration.

(3) Assault.

The report shows that her spleen was ruptured.

Defence of Diminished Mental Responsibility or Diminished Capacity re: Provocation iro Approach and Self-Control


Address in mitigation by the defence counsel:...,.

I urge the court to take into account that the accused person was provoked.

He could not stomach the fact that his wife was seeing other men. He acted in the heat of the moment....,.

By State: Address in aggravation

This is a case where the accused acted precipitately. He acted on a mere suspicion. Its humbly submitted that such a set up is not unusual where people of different sexes share the same cup of beer....,.

Reasons for sentence...,.

The accused assaulted his wife using a log all over the body indiscriminately. The accused was not under the influence of liquor at the time of the offence. He acted recklessly and even though there was some provocation we find that the extent of provocation was not proportionate to the conduct or reaction of the accused....,.

The accused found his wife drinking beer with male persons and suspected she was having an affair outside marriage. The court accepts that there was that provocation. However, against that, the behaviour of the accused was totally not inexcusable. The accused did not find the wife in an uncompromising position....,.

Your moral blameworthiness is very high. You were supposed to contain your anger and resolve the issue using your elders. You had no right to beat up your wife as if you were beating an animal. The force used was excessive and the post-mortem report shows that death was caused by;

(1) Asphyxia.

(2) Gastric contents aspiration.

(3) Assault.

The report shows that her spleen was raptured.

A deterrent sentence must be imposed. Cases of domestic violence are on the upsurge and society must be protected. These courts frown upon abusive spouses and the courts will show little sympathy against such offenders.

Criminal Trial

MAKONESE J: The accused was charged with the crime of murder it being alleged that on 25th November 2011 and at homestead of Borehole 33 village Chief Mvutu, Victoria Falls, you wrongfully and unlawfully and intentionally killed Delight Ndlovu a female adult aged 34 years.

You pleaded Not Guilty and accordingly we entered a plea of not guilty. The accused tendered through his defence counsel a limited plea of guilty with respect to culpable homicide.

The court accepts that the concession made by the State in accepting a limited plea was properly made and therefore you are found guilty of culpable homicide. You were acquitted on the charge of murder.

Address in mitigation by the defence counsel:

The accused person is aged 36 years. He was married to deceased and they had two minor children. The oldest is 15 years and youngest is 9 years. He was self employed as a wood carver. He was the sole bread-winner. He has no assets of considerable value or any savings. The accused is a first offender. Its his first time to be found on the wrong side of the law. The accused is HIV positive (do not have medical proof).

I urge the court to take into account that accused person was provoked.

He could not stomach the fact that his wife was seeing other man. He acted in the heat of the moment. The accused person murdered his own wife and that still traumatises him. We submit that its punishment on its own.

In the case of S v Innocent Phiri HB5/12; the brief facts are that accused person assaulted deceased with Mopani switches for burning down a kitchen hut. In that case the accused was sentenced to 10 years imprisonment.

Mabutho Mutambo and Others HB78/11; the accused persons assaulted the deceased with switches all over the body and was sentenced to 6 years imprisonment.

The accused person is of sober habits.

By State: Address in aggravation

This is a case where the accused acted precipitately. He acted on a mere suspicion. Its humbly submitted that such a set up is not unusual where people of different sexes share the same cup of beer. The accused assaulted a defenceless woman with such a thick log. He did strike her repeatedly, therefore causing injuries on deceased all over her body The deceased is accused's husband. We would have expected him even under provocation not to go to such extremes. It is humbly submitted that even if the accused was provoked the provocation was minor. A sentence imposed has to show the attitude the courts have towards this behaviour. The force used was too excessive. A sentence in region of 10 years will meet the justice of the case.

Reasons for sentence

The accused person pleaded not guilty to murder but tendered a limited plea of guilty with respect to culpable homicide. The court has accepted that the concession was properly made by the State. The accused person is therefore convicted of culpable homicide.

The accused assaulted his wife using a log all over the body indiscriminately. Accused was not under the influence of liquor at the time of the offence. He acted recklessly and even though there was some provocation we find that the extent of provocation was not proportionate to the conduct or reaction of the accused. The deceased was accused's wife. They have two minor children together. The children are now going to grow without a mother. Accused found his wife drinking beer with male persons and suspected she was having an affair outside marriage. The court accepts that there was that provocation. However against that the behaviour of the accused was totally not inexcusable. Accused did not find the wife in an uncompromising position.

These are the factors in your favour:-

(1) you are a first offender.

(2) you pleaded guilty.

(3) you have show some contrition.

(4) family responsibilities.

That is all that can be said in your favour.

Your moral blameworthiness is very high. You were supposed to contain your anger and resolve the issue using your elders. You had no right to beat up your wife as if you were beating an animal. The force used was excessive and the post-mortem report shows that death was caused by;

(1) asphyxia.

(2) Gastric contents aspiration.

(3) assault.

The report shows that her spleen was raptured.

A deterrent sentence must be imposed. Cases of domestic violence are on the upsurge and society must be protected. These courts frown upon abusive spouses and the courts will show little sympathy against such offenders.

Sentence

Effective sentence: 10 years imprisonment.







Criminal Division, Attorney General's office, state's legal practitioners

 Mashindi and Associates, accused's legal practitioners

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