City father-in-law withholds marriage certificate as surety

Chingonwa told the court that her husband had turned her into a punching bag.

“Whenever he is upset, he vents his anger on me. I have since moved out of the matrimonial home because of the physical abuse and threats,” she said.
Responding to Chingonwa’s allegations, Gotami told the court that the couple’s altercations arose due to his suspicion that she was cheating.

“I am legally married to this woman, but my father-in-law withheld our marriage certificate because I did not pay the full lobola.
“I heard the certificate is still being held by the pastor.

“Our main problem is that I am now suspecting that my wife has a boyfriend,” he said.
Gotami added that he saw a certain number in his wife’s phone with no name, but saved on her contacts.

The court heard that Chingonwa does not like her husband to access her mobile phone.
“One day while surfing her phone she received a text message. From the contents of the message, I suspected it was a guy and he was saying he feels a certain sensation when fondling my wife’s private parts.

“I believed the message was meant for her because I also experience the same sensation,” he said.
He added that an altercation ensued leading to him assaulting Chingonwa.

“Your Worship I love my wife and I forgave her on realising that the two had not slept together because the guy was only promising to do so,” he said.
In her response, Chingonwa said the text message was for her friend who receives calls and messages on her phone.
Magistrate Ms Tatenda Manhanzva granted the protection order in Chingonwa’s favour.