Online Reporter
Solomon Bhumu
Weekender Reporter
A WEIRMOUTH couple left the Mutare Civil Court gallery visibly shaken as it emerged that they had spent nearly a decade sleeping in separate bedrooms, amid allegations of abuse, threats and deeply fractured marriage.
The disclosures came during proceedings in which Noraah Gatsi sought a protection order against her erstwhile husband, Collen Gatsi, accusing him of serious verbal abuse and threats to her life.
The matter was heard before magistrate, Mrs Thandiwe Sibanda.
Noraah told the court that her long-standing marriage was on the verge of collapse due to her husband’s intolerable behaviour.
She alleged that Gatsi routinely insults her and had recently threatened to kill her.
“He told me that one day he would end my life, and said he had already bought an axe. I live in fear, and at this point I am tired. I cannot take it anymore. My husband has turned into a lion that everyone fears,” she testified.
She further revealed that the couple has not shared their bedroom since 2016.
She said her hubby left their matrimonial home in 2013 and went to Bulawayo, where he claimed to have been working. He allegedly returned three years later.
“Our problems began after he came back from Bulawayo where he said he was working. He never called me to ask if I was okay, and while he was there he stayed with a mistress,” she said.
Noraah added that upon his return, she requested that they undergo HIV testing together, a request she said Gatsi strongly rejected.
She told the court that since then, her husband had become increasingly hostile, despite the fact that they were no longer sleeping together.
Gatsi, however, denied the allegations of threatening his wife.
He disputed claims that he intended to use an axe as a weapon against her, insisting that it was meant for domestic use.
“The axe that I have in my bedroom is for cutting mazondo. I never mentioned that it was to attack her. She is just panicking and framing stories,” he said, arguing that the root of their conflict dates back to 2016, when they allegedly sold a farm for US$30 000.
Gatsi claimed that his wife had volunteered to keep the money, but later only handed over US$10 000, failing to account for the balance.
“Since then I reported the matter to the police, and we have been to court several times, including at the High Court. She is just playing victim so that the court can sympathise with her,” he said.
Gatsi further alleged that after the dispute over the farm proceeds, his wife filed for divorce at the High Court, adding that the matter was close to finalisation before one of their children intervened, leading to the process being halted.
When questioned by Mrs Sibanda why he refused to undergo HIV testing with his wife, Gatsi maintained his stance, telling the court that he would never agree to be tested at her request.
He said he would rather continue sleeping in separate rooms than give in to her demands.
The court also heard that although the couple still lives under the same roof, they no longer share meals or household facilities, as they cook in separate kitchens and have no remaining marital bond.
In her ruling, Mrs Sibanda granted a protection order in favour of Noraah, warning Gatsi against assaulting, insulting or threatening her.
The magistrate also urged the couple to resolve their disputes amicably, noting their age and advising them to set a good example to their children.
