Online Reporter
Lovemore Kadzura
Weekender Reporter
A MAKONI man who claims spending thousands of United States dollars supporting his girlfriend through college has dragged her before a community court after she allegedly ended their six-year relationship shortly after securing employment.
Michael Mutero appeared before Chief Makoni’s community court demanding US$9 206 from Elizabeth Manando, whom he accuses of abandoning him despite what he described as significant financial and emotional investment made during a relationship he believed would eventually lead to marriage.
Mutero said he helped secure a place for Elizabeth at Belvedere Teachers’ College, and contributed substantially towards her tuition fees and living expenses during her studies.
Mutero said the relationship took a dramatic turn after Elizabeth secured a teaching post in Hwange in 2024.
“We were in a relationship for more than six years. I paid for her college fees at Belvedere Teachers’ College, and also helped her secure a place there. At one point, she was barred from attending classes for two weeks because of unpaid fees, and I had to borrow money from loan sharks so she could continue with her studies,” he said.
Mutero alleged that within weeks of starting work in Hwange, Elizabeth began living with School Development Committee chairperson, Sosha Mohlaba.
“Within three weeks at her new workplace, she started cohabiting with Mohlaba. They now have a child together,” he said.
The disappointed suitor said he made numerous attempts to recover money he had spent on her education and upkeep, including engaging relatives, church members, friends, workmates and traditional leaders.
“I want her to reimburse me for the money I used to fund her education and rentals during her studies. The US$9 000 I am demanding is actually less than what I initially claimed. I could have demanded US$30 000,” he said.
Mutero claimed Elizabeth signed an affidavit acknowledging a debt of US$6 220, and said he could provide proof of bank transfers made directly to the college.
He further alleged that Mohlaba once answered Elizabeth’s phone and dismissed his demands for repayment.
“She promised to provide a payment plan, but nothing materialised. I have reached out to many people trying to resolve this issue amicably,” he said.
However, Elizabeth disputed most of the claims, admitting only that Mutero had partially assisted with her tuition fees.
She said the money was given voluntarily during the course of their relationship and was not intended as a loan.
“I never lived with him and he was never my husband. He was simply my boyfriend, just as Mohlaba is. My family does not officially know him,” she said.
Elizabeth maintained that several family members, including her mother, brother and sister, also contributed towards her education.
She further claimed she first met Mutero when he was struggling to cope with a previous failed relationship.
“His girlfriend had left for South Africa and I helped him through that difficult period. He later asked how he could thank me and I told him I wanted employment opportunities. The assistance he later gave me was his way of showing appreciation,” she said.
Elizabeth acknowledged signing a debt acknowledgement for US$500 before a Commissioner of Oaths, but denied owing the thousands of dollars claimed by Mutero.
She also alleged that the relationship was unstable and that Mutero never showed serious commitment towards marriage.
“For six years, he was not clear about his intentions. At times I even suspected that he was a married man. After college, I returned to stay with my mother and he started insulting both of us through messages,” she said.
Elizabeth said she eventually decided to move on after Mutero allegedly failed to formalise the relationship despite encouragement from mutual friends.
“I am a mature woman who wants to settle down and have a family. When I got a job in Hwange, he was advised to formalise the relationship. He did not take any action. When I moved on, he started threatening to commit suicide and even confronted my mother,” she said.
In his ruling, Chief Makoni observed that gifts and assistance exchanged during a romantic relationship are generally acts of love and are not automatically recoverable when a relationship collapses.
“Lovers spoil each other during the course of a relationship. It is an act of love, and one should not expect repayment when the relationship ends,” he said.
However, the traditional leader noted that the dispute regarding the alleged debt acknowledgement still required clarification.
Mutero was instructed to produce the affidavits and supporting documents he claimed to have before the matter could proceed.
Ironically, after the hearing, the two former lovers reportedly left the court walking side-by-side and chatting amicably.
Sources later indicated that Mutero contacted the chief’s messenger and expressed a desire to withdraw the case. He was advised to submit his withdrawal in writing.
