Prosper Dembedza
Court Correspondent
The son of renowned academic and political commentator, Professor Ibbo Mandaza, appeared in court facing allegations of assaulting his former wife on Christmas Eve.
The court was informed that the complainant, Ms Tyler Rubenstein (37), had visited the accused, Ibbo Mandaza (33), at his residence with the intention of returning an iPhone 13 that he had previously gifted her.
It was alleged that Ms Rubenstein discovered the device was second-hand and contained explicit images, prompting her decision to return it.
According to the State’s case, on December 24, 2024, Rubenstein arrived at Mandaza Jr’s residence and parked outside the gate. She then called him to come outside.
It is alleged that during the encounter, Mandaza pushed her against the gate and struck her multiple times on the face with open hands.
Following the incident, Ms Rubenstein reported the matter to Highlands Police Station, leading to Mandaza’s arrest.
He was subsequently charged with physical abuse and appeared before Harare magistrate Ms Amanda Dhlamini, who granted him bail and remanded him out of custody pending further proceedings.