Online Reporter
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A PUMULA East man known for public affection shocked a court with horrific details of abuse when a woman allegedly suffered behind closed doors at his hands.
Aaron Kapetamanja (31) appeared before Bulawayo magistrate Beverley Madzikatire facing charges of threatening to commit murder after his relationship with Precious Mpofu allegedly descended into fear and intimidation. He was remanded in custody until 30 December.
Prosecutor Sibusisiwe Sithole told the court that on 7 November around midnight, Kapetamanja allegedly snapped after Mpofu refused his sexual advances. What followed, the court heard, was a chilling outburst that turned a simple “no” into a threat of death.
Mpofu testified that Kapetamanja told her he would buy a knife and kill her before casually relocating to Botswana, as if murder was just another travel plan. She said he boldly claimed that even if she reported him to the police, nothing would happen because his father had money and power.
Mpofu told the court that Kapetamanja threatened to plant drugs in her belongings and call the police on her, boasting that he would watch her fall while he walked free. He also allegedly warned that he would burn all her belongings and the money she had worked hard for before disappearing across the border.
The court heard that behind closed doors, the man once seen as a loving boyfriend allegedly turned abusive, frequently shouting vulgar language at Mpofu. Whenever she refused his demands to touch her private parts, Kapetamanja allegedly responded with threats to stab her with a knife.
What shocked the court even more was that this was not an isolated incident. Mpofu testified that the threats had become a pattern, with fear replacing affection and sleepless nights replacing romance.
Fearing for her life, Mpofu finally reported the matter to the police, ending the silence that had kept the violence hidden behind smiles and public displays of affection.
