Online Reporter
Spiwe Sarakunze
Herald Reporter
A HARARE woman has successfully applied for a protection order against her former husband, who has also been harassing her over the custody of their children and property awarded to her, after their divorce.
Ms Prudence Mazarura told the court that her ex-husband, Mr Tafadzwa Horiro, was barring her from collecting her property after the finalisation of their divorce.
“He does not want me to take my car, which is at the house, and is also denying me access to take some of my belongings,” she said.
She also accused Mr Horiro of persistently disturbing her peace, safety and well-being by attempting to barge into her home and demanding to take their two children.
Her ex-husband’s behaviour, she said, was affecting her psychologically and emotionally.
She said the harassment began shortly after they finalised their divorce and Mr Horiro started threatening and barring her from collecting her property.
Mr Horiro, she said, allegedly refused to accept the court ruling over their divorce and began harassing her in an apparent bid to reclaim furniture, household electronics and even a motor vehicle awarded to her, which he was insisting belonged to him.
“He is in the habit of taking our minor children to his girlfriend, which is not right. Sometimes he goes to my parents’ house in Kuwadzana to cause havoc, to the extent that he insults my father,” she said.
Ms Mazarura also claimed that she took a mechanic to fix her car so that she could remove it from his yard but Mr Horiro chased the man away, stating that it is his vehicle and, therefore, no one could take it.
Ms Mazarura said she decided to seek legal protection due to emotional distress, fear for her physical safety and concern for her children, who were also being emotionally affected by the confrontations.
Mr Horiro denied using threats or violence, claiming he only visited his ex-wife’s house to discuss issues related to their property.
He argued that some of the disputed items were gifts that he had given his ex-wife, which are still in his name, including the car.
“I only called my mother’s sister to help us separate in a good way but she ran away. I did not chase her from the house; she only wants my car and to embarrass me,” he said.
He accused Ms Mazarura of creating problems by denying him access to see his children or to communicate with them.
Presiding magistrate Ms Johanna Mukwesha granted a protection order in favour of Ms Mazarura barring Mr Horiro from harassing, threatening and emotionally abusing her.
The parties were advised to approach the appropriate court so that they can share their property amicably.
She also said that any breach of the protection order by Mr Horiro will result in immediate arrest.
