Man gets protection order against wife

A HARARE man, Godfrey Toga, has successfully obtained a protection order against his wife, Messiah Ngwenya, citing allegations of violence, infidelity and emotional abuse.

Toga shared his experiences in court, detailing the turmoil that has engulfed their marriage.

He testified that his wife left home early in the morning and often returned late at night, sometimes as late as 11pm. When he inquires about her whereabouts, Ngwenya responds with hostility and aggression.

He recounted instances where her boyfriend would drop her off at their gate, further humiliating him in his own home.

“My once stable home has turned into a battlefield of insults, threats and fear,” Toga said, attributing the source of violence in their marriage to Ngwenya’s actions and extramarital relationship.

According to Toga, the issues began when Ngwenya, who works at a local salon, started staying out late and sometimes disappearing for weeks. His suspicions were confirmed when he caught her boyfriend entering their marital home.

“The pain of seeing another man in my house is unbearable,” Toga said.

“When I confronted her, instead of an explanation or apology, she turned it into a fight, insulting me and even my mother.”

The situation escalated in May 2024 when Ngwenya moved out of their shared bedroom, leaving Toga isolated in their matrimonial bed.

He reported that she denied him conjugal rights and any attempts at communication about their marriage were met with threats of violence.

Toga described living in constant tension, where every discussion about her late nights or suspected affair led to confrontation.

“If I reprimand her, she becomes aggressive. My home no longer feels like my own,” he said.

He expressed deep humiliation over the presence of Ngwenya’s alleged boyfriend, who regularly drops her off at their gate.

“I have been reduced to a stranger in my own marriage,” he said, adding that Ngwenya disrespects both him and his family, particularly his elderly mother.

In light of this emotional torment, Toga sought legal intervention, requesting protection from the violence he claims Ngwenya inflicts upon him.

In her defence, Ngwenya argued that she was the true victim, claiming Toga called her a prostitute because of her job.

“He always suspects me of infidelity, and I cannot leave my job to please him,” she said.

While Ngwenya denied having an affair, Toga presented text messages as evidence in court.

Ultimately, presiding magistrate Ms Johanna Mukwesha granted the protection order in favour of Toga.