Online Reporter
Spiwe Sarakunze-Herald Reporter
Harare Civil Court magistrate Ms Johanna Mukwesha granted a reciprocal protection order to a wife and girlfriend, who were fighting over property.
The order was granted after Ms Grace Kambarami had taken her lover’s wife, Ms Mitchell Rasten to the Harare Civil Court, alleging that she was monopolising all the marital benefits and leaving her suffering.
“She is enjoying everything the house, the cars, even the money he brings home from work,” Ms Kambarami claimed.
“I have been with her husband for five years, and he planned to marry me, while she sits pretty as if I do not exist.”
Ms Kambarami argued that she has been unfairly sidelined despite her long-term contribution to the relationship.
She said that during the five years, she has endured emotional distress, instability and financial uncertainty while hoping to be accepted as part of the man’s life.
Ms Kambarami insisted that her actions were justified. She claimed that her boyfriend had promised to formalise their relationship and provide her with everything.
“I am not fighting Rasten because I want to, I am fighting because I was promised something and I feel that I have been used and discarded. I have a right to demand what is due to me.”
In response, Ms Rasten said she is the beneficiary and nothing can change that.
She claims that Ms Kambarami sent unknown men to stalk her, damage property and even physically confront her.
“I have lived in fear for the past six months. I cannot even walk to the shops without someone threatening me,” she said.
“She wants to chase me from my own home because she feels entitled to my husband. She came with two men and broke the gate. She shouted that she was tired of being treated like a side piece.”
Ms Rasten described Ms Kambarami as a delusional woman who refuses to accept that she is not part of a legal marriage and that she is not entitled to enjoy the privileges that come with it.
“The law is clear, l am the legal wife. Whatever arrangements my husband had with her were done outside our marriage and without my consent,” Ms Rasten said.
She explained that her husband has remained silent, refusing to appear in court or speak publicly because he is embarrassed and overwhelmed by the situation and has temporarily moved out of the family home.
Ms Mukwesha advised the two to maintain peace and that Ms Kambarami should resolve her issues with her boyfriend, without involving his wife Ms Rasten.
