Mangochi Senior Resident Magistrate Court on Tuesday sentenced 30-year-old Missi Bwanali to 17-years in prison for dousing his wife with hot water after accusing her of delaying to serve him supper.
The court heard through Mangochi Police Prosecution Officer lnspector Amos Mwase that, on the evening of April 9, 2022 the convict who is a fisherman returned home while drunk and found the victim Nancy Bwanali, 32, about to cook supper.
The convict shouted at his wife accusing her of taking longer to prepare food which resulted into wrangles between the couple.
Prosecutor Mwase added that, in the heat of the argument, the husband took a pot of hot water from the fire and poured it onto the face of the wife before fleeing.
Neighbours rushed her to Mangochi District Hospital where she was admitted after sustaining severe burns.
Appearing in court, Bwanali pleaded not guilty to the charge and the state paraded three witnesses who proved the case beyond reasonable doubt.
In mitigation, Bwanali asked for leniency saying that he was drunk when the offence was committed but prosecutor Mwase reminded the court that intoxication is not a defence.
Mwase added the convict has left a permanent disfigure on the wife hence prayed for a stiffer sentence.
Passing judgement, Senior Resident Magistrate Rodrick Michongwe concurred with the state hence the 17-year sentence to serve as a lesson to other would be offenders.
Bwanali hails from Michesi Village Traditional Authority Mponda in Mangochi.
