Yaounde: Man assaults wife with machete for ‘disrespecting’ his younger brother

By Amina Hilda

A man whose name MMI got as Kamta Alex is reported to have physically assaulted his wife with the use of a machete in Yaounde, for disrespecting his younger brother.

The dramatic scene took place on the night of May 15 in the Ngousso neighborhood in Yaounde. The couple, who had previously been considered calm by their neighbours, demonstrated a different angle to their relationship on the night of the incident.

According to the accounts gathered from neighbours, the dispute erupted after a disagreement over domestic tasks. The wife had requested the husband’s younger brother, who lives with them, to do extra chores, which enraged Kamta Alex.

“On the fateful evening, we were attracted by shouts and cries from their home. When we rushed to the scene, Alex had used his machete to cut his wife on her skull and hand,” narrated an eyewitness.

The neighbours are said to have called the security forces who came and brought the situation under control.

While the woman is currently receiving treatment at a local medical facility, it was not clear at the time of this report if the man had been charged with the crime. This is particularly disturbing given that domestic abuse is not classed as a particular offence in Cameroon, and there is no legal definition of domestic violence.

Domestic violence continues to be a topical issue in Cameroon, where over 30% of women have been found to be victims of domestic and sexual abuse.