Online Reporter
Spiwe Sarakunze
Herald Reporter
A Stoneridge woman has won a protection order against her husband, whom she accused of using emotional abuse, harassment and eviction threats to force her out of their matrimonial home.
Maria Mhaka told Harare Civil Court Magistrate, Mr Ashton Dube that Joseph Chiware had turned their home into a place of fear and intimidation, constantly reminding her that the house was built and furnished by his late wife, and therefore she had no right to stay there.
“He tells me the house belongs to his late wife and they built it together. He is abusing me out of greed,” she said.
She said the situation began shortly after she moved into the house and it has worsened over time.
“When I try to raise any issue in the home, he stops me by saying I am a visitor living on property that does not belong to me,” said Mhaka.
She said Chiware allegedly used this narrative as a tool of control, often threatening to chase her out and leave empty-handed.
Mhaka told the court that on several occasions, her husband locked her out and hid her belongings.
Mhaka said the emotional strain had become unbearable, and she was now afraid of staying in the house.
“I no longer feel safe in my own home. Whenever we argue, he says his late wife’s spirit does not want me there. He uses the house to silence and control me,” she said.
She told the court that Chiware also threatened to physically remove her from the property if she did not leave voluntarily.
She said this is why she has decided to approach the court. Mhaka emphasised that she was not contesting ownership of the house or property, but wanted to live in a safe environment free from fear and humiliation.
“I came here because I want peace and protection. I am not fighting him over the property. I just want the abuse and harassment to stop,” she explained.
Chiware confirmed that the Stoneridge house originally belonged to his late wife but denied ever abusing or harassing Mhaka.
He insisted that his statements about the property were factual, not abusive, and accused his wife of disrespecting the home.
He explained that the house was built with the money he worked for together with his late wife, so it belongs to her.
“She wants to act like the owner of the house when she knows very well it belonged to my late wife,” said Chiware.
“I have never threatened her. I am only asking her to behave herself and respect the home.”
Chiware claimed that Mhaka exaggerated the allegations and was using the court to gain an advantage in their marital disputes.
He told the court that the conflict between them stemmed from disagreements over household decisions and not from harassment.
Mhaka prayed that the court grant a protection order compelling Chiware to stop the abuse and eviction.
After hearing arguments from both sides, the magistrate ruled in favour of Mhaka.
The protection order barred Chiware from engaging in any form of harassment, intimidation, or trying to evict Mhaka forcefully.
