Online Reporter
Tendai Gukutikwa
Weekender Reporter
IN a dramatic twist of events, a Mutasa woman, Mufaro Chigwandi, has come out gun blazing against her estranged husband, Prove Chigoko, accusing him of humiliating her and her family with infidelity allegations after deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) tests revealed that the child he had rejected was, in fact, his own.
Mufaro, who was married to Prove for 11 years, before their marriage collapsed last year, testified before Chief Mutasa’s community court that her dignity was severely damaged during the tumultuous period leading to their separation.
The couple appeared before the traditional court last Saturday, where the truth about the child’s paternity was finally revealed.
“When I married this man in 2013, I believed I had found a partner for life. I gave him everything a wife could give. But when I became pregnant with our third child, instead of supporting me, he accused me of cheating,” said Chigwandi.
The mother of three told the court that Chigoko threw her clothes and belongings out of their matrimonial home, and dumped them at her parents’ homestead in full view of neighbours.
“He humiliated me and my family. He would storm my parents’ home, shouting obscenities at me. I was heavily pregnant and broken, yet he had no mercy. He even texted me saying that the man whose baby I was carrying was HIV positive. These words were meant to crush me,” she said.
Chigwandi said her ex-husband’s paranoia went as far as accusing her of stealing his underwear.
“I still want to know today which underwear he was talking about. Imagine being insulted for something so petty when you are carrying your husband’s child,” she told the court, her voice trembling with emotions.
Despite the accusations, Chigwandi maintained that she had never been unfaithful to her husband. To clear her name, she underwent DNA — a genetic material that contains unique genetic codes. In such paternity and infidelity cases, DNA testing compares genetic samples from the child, alleged father, and mother to determine biological relationships and resolve disputes.
In this case, the result confirmed the child was indeed Chigoko’s.
“When the DNA came out in his favour, he suddenly rushed to register the child for a birth certificate. Yet this is the same child he once called a bastard. The same child whose very existence was used to abuse me. That pain will never leave me,” she said, fighting back tears.
She added: “I came out of that marriage with nothing except my clothes and children. We built a house and bought a car together, but the court awarded everything to him. I only got US$2 500. Is this what 11 years of marriage amounts to? Nothing but scars?”
Her brother, Takudzwa Chingwandi, who accompanied her to court, confirmed that the family had since appealed against the property sharing judgment at the High Court.
“We believe my sister was treated unfairly. She contributed to that marriage and to the property they acquired together. We are not happy with how she walked away empty-handed while he enjoys everything,” said Takudzwa.
The Chigwandi family also accused Chigoko of disrespecting them by bypassing proper customary procedures.
“When a man divorces, he must hand over a divorce token to the woman’s family. But instead of doing that, Chigoko insulted us by throwing our daughter’s belongings at our doorstep like garbage. That was, not only an insult to her, but to our entire family,” he said.
In his defence, Chigoko dismissed some of the claims, insisting that his actions were exaggerated.
“Yes, we had our fights, but I have been taking care of my children. That is not in dispute. The problem is that they make me appear like a monster when I am not,” he said.
He admitted, however, that he had not properly handed over the divorce token as per the custom dictates.
“When we married, I was only introduced to one of her aunties in 2013. Unfortunately, she passed away, and no one else was ever introduced to me. It was only after our separation that they revealed another aunt. As you have advised, I will take the divorce token to her in Mutare,” he said.
Delivering his ruling, Chief Mutasa expressed dismay at the way Chigoko had treated his wife and her family.
“You cannot throw a woman’s belongings at her parents’ homestead as if she is an outcast. That was gross disrespect. A woman is not a piece of furniture that you discard when you no longer want her,” said Chief Mutasa.
He further reminded Chigoko that customary law still considered Chigwandi his wife until the divorce token was delivered properly.
“You must appease your mother-in-law. You wronged her when you humiliated her daughter, and threw her belongings at the woman’s home, forgetting that she is your children’s grandmother. You must also follow proper divorce procedures. As far as custom is concerned, until then, she is still your wife,” he ruled.
The chief also advised Chigwandi to apply for maintenance for her three children, reminding both parties that children’s welfare should come first.
“This fighting must end. There are children involved, and they should not suffer because of your grudges. A father must provide, and a mother must support the upbringing. You must both act responsibly,” said Chief Mutasa.
