Woman gets four years for biting off rival’s finger in love dispute in Neno

By Michael Martin//MALAWI

A 45-year-old woman, Idah Robert has been sentenced to 48 months (four years) in prison with hard labour by a Neno Magistrate’s Court after being found guilty of violently biting off another woman’s finger during a fight over a boyfriend.

Neno Police spokesperson Sergeant Rabecca Msoliza said the court heard from Sub Inspector Charles Nkhoma that the offence was committed on the 16th of last month.

According to the prosecution, trouble began after it emerged that Idah Robert and Gloria Donda were both involved with the same man.

The dispute escalated into a physical fight, during which Robert bit Donda’s finger.

Medical personnel later amputated the finger due to the severity of the injury.

Passing sentence, First Grade Magistrate Margret Khobiri said the four-year custodial sentence with hard labour was intended to punish the offender and deter others from committing similar acts of violence.

Robert comes from Donda Village under Traditional Authority Chekucheku in Neno District.