Moffat Mungazi
Solomon Bhumu
Weekender Reporter
TWO Mutare women found themselves caught up in a bitter dispute over a man who manipulated and deceived both of them.
The drama unfolded at Mutare Magistrate Civil Court as the two — Mitchell Chikowo (25) and Tafadzwa Zvirumbi (18) — both of Dangamvura, clashed over a man, whose name was not disclosed in court.
Mutare magistrate, Ms Prisca Manhibi heard that Tafadzwa — the “ex-wife” of Mitchell’s “husband” — was causing chaos at Mitchell’s place of residence.
Mitchell sought for a protection order against Tafadzwa, alleging that she was harassing and intimidating her.
“This past week, my husband’s ex-wife came to my place of residence around 11pm, and insulted me with vulgar language, claiming that I had snatched her husband,” she said.
The situation took a nasty turn the next morning when she woke up to find Tafadzwa waiting for her at the gate, preventing her from going to work.
She called the police, who instructed her to bring Tafadzwa to ZRP Dangamvura for assistance, but she refused.
“I don’t know where she was the rest of the night, but the following morning, I saw her standing at my gate shouting at me. I was left with no option, but to call the police because I had to report for duty,” said Mitchell.
However, Tafadzwa presented a different account of events.
She denied threatening Mitchell, claiming that she only wanted to have a peaceful dialogue with her.
“I do not deny going to her place of residence, but I never insulted her. All I wanted was to talk with her in peace,” she said, further alleging that the man in question was still her husband as they had not formally divorced.
She further claimed that they spent time together during the day at her home.
“We are still in love. It is only that he does not know what he wants, because during the day we will be together, and only leaves at night when their kombi is hired,” she said.
When Ms Manhibi inquired about the husband’s profession, it was revealed that he worked as a tout, loading kombis at the Chikanga-Hobhouse Rank.
The court also learnt that Tafadzwa had a child with the man at the centre of the love triangle.
Ms Manhibi expressed concern over Tafadzwa’s claims that ‘her husband’ will be out on night duty when he won’t be with her, saying: “You think he will be going for hirings every night, and you never bothered to ask?”
Mitchell, who does not have a child with the man, explained that her busy schedule at a local restaurant where she works left her with little time to investigate her husband’s profession.
“Most times I will be busy at work, and surely I never thought of finding the truth behind my husband’s profession. I only believed what he told me,” she said.
Ms Manhibi advised the two women to re-evaluate their priorities and take control of their lives.
She urged them to focus on their children’s well-being and their own personal growth, rather than fighting over a man who was showing little commitment to either of them.
Turning to Tafadzwa, the magistrate encouraged her to return to school and pursue her education.
“At the age of 18, you are wasting your life over a man who does not truly care for you. Go back to school, further your studies, and secure a good job. There is more to life than fighting over someone who does not love you,” she said.
Online Reporter