Online Reporter
Tendai Gukutikwa
Weekender Reporter
A DRAMATIC case of betrayal unfolded at Chief Mutasa’s community court, where Darlington Furamwenje, accused his long-time friend, Desmond Paunganwa, of snatching his wife while she was seven months pregnant.
The woman at the centre of the love triangle is Parnometer Nyatatu.
Furamwenje alleged that Paunganwa, his former best friend, was secretly dating his wife, before she dumped the former to set up a new home with the latter while she was seven months pregnant.
“Desmond was my closest friend, but he betrayed me by pursuing my wife while she was still with me. He eventually got her a new place, and she left me, taking our children and belongings,” Furamwenje told the court, visibly emotional.
The heartbroken husband claimed the betrayal had severe emotional and financial consequences on him.
“I trusted Desmond like a brother, but now I am left alone, broken, and humiliated. I struggle to explain to my children why their mother left under the circumstances,” he said.
However, Paunganwa denied the allegations, insisting that his relationship with Nyatatu only began after her marriage had collapsed.
“I did not snatch her from him. When I met her, she had already left him and returned to her parents. That was in June. I only helped her to find a place to stay, but do not stay there myself. People are exaggerating the situation because I was close to Darlington,” argued Paunganwa.
When questioned about the pregnancy, Paunganwa admitted that he ended the relationship upon learning that Nyatatu was carrying another man’s child.
“She revealed her pregnancy last month, prompting me to stop seeing her. Continuing the relationship would have complicated matters. I thought it was better to walk away before things got worse,” explained Paunganwa.
However, Nyatatu contradicted Paunganwa’s account, openly declaring her love for him despite carrying Furamwenje’s baby.
“I acknowledge that the pregnancy is Furamwenje’s, but I am now in a relationship with Paunganwa. Although he was my husband’s friend, our relationship began after I left Furamwenje.
“I was forced to leave due to his threats on my life, fuelled by false accusations of infidelity with married men. People manipulated his perception of me, leading to his rejection. After seeking refuge at my parents’ home, Paunganwa and I started seeing each other.
“I openly confess my feelings for him — I love him,” she said, further claiming that Furamwenje’s mistrust stemmed from false rumours of infidelity.
Paunganwa’s wife, identified in court as Mai Ruva, also shared her account, shedding more light on the complicated love triangle.
“Paunganwa and Nyatatu’s relationship began in November last year. He confessed to me that he no longer loved me, intending to formalise our divorce by presenting a token to my parents. His ultimate goal was to be with Nyatatu. I can reveal how this affair shattered my marriage, leaving me and our children stranded.
“I devoted years of my life to him, only to be callously discarded for another man’s wife. How can someone be so heartless and cruel?” she quipped.
Overcome with emotion, Mai Ruva described the agony of losing her husband to a woman she once considered a friend.
“I am at a loss to understand how someone I welcomed into my home, knowing I was Paunganwa’s wife, could betray me so deeply. This is, not only betrayal, but utter humiliation,” she sobbed.
Mai Ruva’s distress deepened as she recounted encounters with Nyatatu, who would verbally insult her despite snatching her husband.
Chief Mutasa, visibly disturbed by the complex web of deceit, sternly reprimanded both Paunganwa and Nyatatu for their actions, emphasising the severity of their betrayal.
“You cannot leave your wife for another man’s wife. You have destroyed two marriages and hurt innocent children. A true friend does not betray a colleague in this way. This community cannot allow such behaviour to go unpunished. Marriage is a sacred institution, and when you disrespect it, you disrespect us all,” Chief Mutasa said sternly.
Chief Mutasa ordered for DNA tests to be conducted after the baby’s birth to determine its paternity, citing concerns raised by the overlapping timelines of the relationships. Additionally, he instructed both Furamwenje and Mai Ruva to undergo medical examinations as part of the ongoing investigation.
Chief Mutasa ruled: “Darlington Furamwenje must undergo HIV and STI testing. Similarly, Mai Ruva must also be tested, having been exposed to potential health risks due to her husband’s infidelity. These actions have far-reaching consequences, extending beyond emotional harm to impact health and families. Let this serve as a cautionary tale for our entire community.”
Chief Mutasa imposed penalties on the adulterous pair. Paunganwa was fined five beasts for his role in ‘stealing’ his best friend’s pregnant wife.
Nyatatu received a fine of three beasts, which the court ordered to be paid to Mai Ruva as compensation for the harm and suffering she endured.
Moffat Mungazi