A 30-year-old man who threw acid in his girlfriend's face after she rejected him after a brief courtship has been sentenced to 30 years in prison.
Mohamed Mwalandu Kombe will spend 30 years in prison because he was unable to cope with the fact that Fatuma Kayingu no longer wanted to be with him.
Mombasa Senior Resident Judge Gladys Olimo sentenced the exiled lover, noting that his actions had permanently robbed 23-year-old Kaying of his eyesight.
“It is very unfortunate that Ms. Kaying will never be able to enjoy one of her most important senses, sight. She will not be able to enjoy everyday activities such as hobbies for the rest of her life. You won't see the beauty of the world,” the judge said.
In the judgment, the judge noted that it was regrettable that Kombe's cruel and inhuman acts had completely changed the woman's life.
“Against this backdrop, this court agrees with the state that the circumstances of this case require a deterrent sentence. As a result, Combe was sentenced to 30 years in prison. The right to appeal is 14 days,” Olimo said.
While jailing the man, the magistrate said he took into account the prosecution's obedience and the defendant's mitigation given that he was a family man, a first-time offender and had no previous convictions.
“I know that Kombe has a young family. However, it is interesting to learn of the even more aggravating circumstances that have emerged in this case. The complainant has completely lost his eyesight as a result of the defendant's actions,” the judge said. said.
The court also found that the plaintiff's testimony was adequately supported by medical evidence showing that her conjunctiva was infected, red and swollen, and there was a laceration on her upper eyelid.
These injuries were classified as serious.
“Given the plaintiff's testimony and medical evidence that her conjunctiva was infected, red and swollen, and that she had completely lost her vision, the injuries sustained endangered her life and even resulted in permanent disfigurement. “There is sufficient evidence that this has occurred,” the judge said. .
Combe was charged with two counts of serious bodily injury and malicious damage to property.
The court heard Kombe sprinkled acid on the victim's face, causing permanent blindness.
They also damaged her mobile phone worth Sh6,000. These crimes were committed on November 15, 2021 in Tudor, Mombasa.
At the time, Kaing was working as a domestic helper in the neighborhood.
The court heard that on the big day, Combe followed her home and threw acid in her face.
During cross-examination by state prosecutor Hilary Aisiaho, the officer said, “Prior to the incident, the two had been in a relationship, but Mr. Maing had informed the defendant that he was no longer interested in the relationship.'' .
Kombe then becomes angry at the accuser's actions and decides to harm her as a means of revenge.
“He poured a chemical on the victim's face after meeting her at night,” she told the court.
However, Combe denied the charges, insisting that he had not harmed the victim.
He explained that he purchased liquid soap and used it to protect himself by pouring it on the victim's face.
“It wasn't acid, it was liquid soap. The victim attacked me with a rock and I poured water on her in self-defense,” he said.
Combe said the victim also used non-toxic liquid soap and was not injured when he broke up with her.
He admitted that he was with the victim on the day in question and was trying to calm her down after a disagreement.
“When I left, the victim was unharmed. There was an argument, but I did not harm her,” he clarified.
Nevertheless, the court rejected his defense citing a number of inconsistencies.
“Mr. Combe's defense is made up of half-truths, twisted facts, and mere musings. I believe the crime of causing serious harm has been proven beyond a reasonable doubt. I find him guilty as per the law and I convict him accordingly,” the judge said.
Isiaho asked the court to take into account that the defendant's actions deprived the victim of bodily autonomy and light, and to impose a harsh sentence that would act as a deterrent.
“We ask that the defendant receive a prison sentence that reflects the seriousness of the crime he committed and the lasting impact it has had on his victims,” prosecutors said.
Meanwhile, Ms Kombe expressed concern for her young family in need of care and appealed for leniency.
“I just got married last year and have a young family with children. I beg the court to show mercy,” he implored.
Despite Kombe's pleas for mercy and leniency, the court ignored them and stressed that Kombe must receive a custodial sentence for the consequences of his actions.
