A 39-year-old woman was sentenced to 20 years in prison for strangling her partner during a domestic dispute over a meal, according to court records. Charlotte Choto was convicted of murder with constructive intent in aggravating circumstances after a December 2025 argument over sadza, a staple Zimbabwean dish, escalated into a fatal confrontation in Epworth, Harare.
The Dispute and the Crime
The altercation began when Jehu Rubaba, Choto’s five-year partner, returned home intoxicated and demanded sadza after discovering his family had already eaten rice and chicken, according to Newzimbabwe. Rubaba’s insistence on being served sadza triggered an argument that turned violent in their bedroom. Choto allegedly followed Rubaba into the room, where they fought, and she strangled him with the hood of his jacket. The court heard that she continued assaulting him after he collapsed, leaving him with injuries consistent with torture and degrading treatment.
Police found Rubaba’s decomposing body in a pool of blood, with scratch marks indicating a struggle. Choto reportedly summoned her three children to witness the scene before cleaning the room using his clothes, bathing, and changing into clean attire. She then slept in another room, leaving his body behind, the court was told.
Court’s Ruling and Sentencing
Choto, a first-time offender, had been in pre-trial custody for nearly 10 months and expressed remorse, asking for forgiveness from Rubaba’s family. However, the judge noted that her personal circumstances did not outweigh the severity of the crime. Precious life was needlessly lost over Sadza, a meal,
Mzawazi said, adding that the violence escalated from a disagreement over food to physical assault and murder.
Had mitigating factors not been considered, the judge stated, a 25-year sentence would have been appropriate. The final ruling balanced the seriousness of the offence
against Choto’s background, including her orphaned upbringing and prior single motherhood.
Context and Implications
The case highlights the tragic potential for domestic disputes to escalate into fatal violence, even over seemingly minor issues. Sadza, a cornmeal-based dish central to Zimbabwean cuisine, often symbolizes sustenance and cultural identity, making the dispute over its preparation particularly poignant. The court’s emphasis on self-control and anger management
underscored the preventable nature of the crime.
Choto’s sentencing reflects judicial focus on both the gravity of the act and the defendant’s personal history. The case also raises broader questions about domestic violence in Zimbabwe, where such incidents are often underreported. iHarare reported that the High Court’s decision aimed to deter similar acts by emphasizing the consequences of unchecked aggression.