Court Reporter

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 after he returned home drunk and demanded to be served sadza, having found his family eating rice and chicken.

Justice Catherine Bachi Mzawazi convicted the 39-year-old of murder with constructive intent in aggravating circumstances after dismissing her claim that she had acted in self-defence.

The court heard that the incident occurred on 27 December when Rubaba returned home intoxicated and insisted on being served sadza, prompting an argument that escalated into a physical confrontation in the couple’s bedroom.

Choto strangled Rubaba using the hood of his jacket and continued assaulting him after he had collapsed.

In passing sentence, Justice Mzawazi said the continued strangulation and further assaults on a helpless victim aggravated the offence.

The judge noted that although Choto was a first offender and had expressed remorse, the seriousness of the crime warranted a lengthy prison term.