Husband suspects witchcraft as estranged wife holds on to his trousers

Paidomoyo Bore

A HARARE woman is being accused of keeping her former husband’s pair of trousers, after leaving him three months ago, an action he suspects is juju-related.

The matter was heard at the Harare Civil Court where Tendai Chanakirwa accused his wife, Alia Muchenje, of allegedly trying to bewitch him.

“She ran away from our matrimonial home and took all the property, including my clothes.

“I had no problem with her moving out but all I want is her to return my special trousers.

“Even her uncles, whom I approached, told me that Chihera is a hot head,” Chanakirwa said.

He said he sought assistance from prophets, who told him to be wary of taking care of another man’s child.

In her defence, Muchenje said her former husband was abusive and violent and denied being in possession of the trousers.

“I do not have his trousers like what he is saying. If he wants a new one, I can buy him.

“We have no children together but he has his own child so, on several occasions, he calls me a barren woman, which affects me.

“He has an okapi knife, which he once said akandisunga naro.

“On several occasions, he threatens to kill me with that knife and promises to burn me inside the house, that is why I moved out,” she said.

Sharon Mashavire, who presided over the matter, urged the two to maintain peace.

She granted the protection order in Muchenje’s favour.