Tendai Vambe
Weekender Reporter
A HEATED domestic dispute ended at the Mutare Civil Court with a woman securing a protection order against her husband, who surprised the courtroom by demanding reimbursement for the college fees he paid during her studies.
Mutare magistrate, Ms Sarah Kanyenze, granted the protection order in favour of Tsitsi Musoni after hearing allegations of persistent harassment, verbal abuse and death threats by her husband, Malvin Musewa.
Musoni, who identified herself as Musewa’s second wife, said she had been subjected to relentless emotional and psychological abuse throughout their relationship.
She said Musewa frequently accused her of infidelity and threatened to kill her during confrontations as well as over the phone.
She said his behaviour became particularly hostile whenever she interacted with other men, even in ordinary social situations.
“He threatens me with death on the phone and even in person whenever he sees me. He also says that I owe him US$7 000 and constantly accuses me of sleeping around.
“If he sees me talking to or smiling at another man, he becomes angry and starts treating me harshly,” said Musoni.
Fearing for her safety, Musoni asked the court to intervene and stop the alleged harassment.
She also requested that any future communication between the pair be limited strictly to matters involving their family.
In response, Musewa denied abusing his wife and argued that the conflict stemmed from ordinary marital disagreements and unresolved issues within their relationship.
He urged the court not to grant the protection order, claiming it could be used against him.
“I do not want my wife to be granted that order because she may abuse it and use it as a weapon against me,” he told the court.
However, Musewa’s defence took an unexpected turn when he raised a financial grievance, insisting that he should be compensated for the money he spent supporting Musoni’s education.
“I also need a refund of the college fees that I paid for her while she was still in school,” he said.
Despite his objections, Magistrate Kanyenze found sufficient grounds to grant the application.
The court ordered Musewa to refrain from harassing, insulting, threatening or abusing Musoni in any form.
The protection order is backed by a suspended warrant of arrest, meaning Musewa could face arrest and further legal consequences if he violates any of the court’s conditions.
Hubby seeks college fees refund from wife
