“Small house” hires thugs, storms married lover’s home over “neglect”

A Rusape man, Beyond Magwena, was left embarrassed after a hired group confronted him and his wife at their home over allegations that he had neglected his “small house”.

The dispute was later heard at Chief Makoni’s community court, where Phibion Mutombwa accused Magwena of living with his sister, Prisca, as husband and wife without the family’s consent.

Mutombwa demanded compensation of three cattle, three goats and US$1,000. He told the court that Magwena had persuaded Prisca to quit her job, promising to support her, but later failed to do so, leaving her unable to help care for their mother.

However, Magwena insisted that Prisca was only his girlfriend and accused her of complicating the relationship by storming his home with thugs, adding that although he had intended to formalise their union, he was put off by her violent behaviour towards him and his wife. He said:

“I met Prisca while repairing Damburamuchato Bar, where she worked. I was open with her that I had a wife, and she accepted it.

“She later told me that she was pregnant. She was fired after a US$70 shortfall, and I even covered it for her.

“She later moved to Mabvazuwa suburb, and I gave her US$30 for her child’s school fees.

“But she shocked me when she came to my house with hired thugs, creating a scene. I had to lock my wife inside to protect her.”

He added that, despite being married for 20 years, Prisca continued to visit his homestead, threatening his wife.

In her defence, Prisca told the court that she only went to Magwena’s house after he had abandoned her for five months, leaving her to struggle on her own. She said:

“I am shocked by his claim that he was planning to marry me. It has been five months since he last came to my house.

Since I changed lodgings, he has never visited or checked how I am surviving. I only went to his house once. I still love him, though.”

In his ruling, Chief Makoni ordered Magwena to pay three beasts and two goats as part of the bride price if his love for Prisca was genuine, and he also warned Prisca against harassing Magwena’s wife. Said the chief:

“Both parties claim they still love each other. Magwena, to prove his claims, must pay three beasts and two goats to Prisca’s family. This is where the truth will come out.

“Prisca is advised against making unwanted visits to Magwena’s homestead. Magwena, wotoudza mukadzi kuti kwana mainini.” *_-Manica Post_*