Online Reporter
Lovemore Kadzura
Weekender Reporter
A RUSAPE man says sponsoring his wife to pursue a mortician’s course ultimately cost him his marriage after she allegedly became involved with another man during her studies.
The marriage dispute spilled into Chief Makoni’s community court, where Ashley Nyabunze, accused Ngonidzashe Chikunguru of having an affair with his wife, Chido Mandeya, with whom he has three children.
Nyabunze also implicated Mandeya’s mother and sister, alleging that they were aware of the relationship and had been communicating with Chikunguru.
He further claimed that his wife possessed a secret cellphone which she allegedly used to communicate with the man at the centre of the dispute.
“I received information that Chikunguru was driving my wife around, including when she went to collect our children from her mother’s home. I later discovered that she had a secret cellphone.
“I used a friend’s vehicle to monitor her movements, and at one point saw her with my cousin while she was communicating with Chikunguru, and asking him to buy her pizza.
“When I confronted her at home, we fought, and she admitted to having a relationship with Chikunguru. She later apologised to my aunties and asked for forgiveness.
“Her parents later came and requested that she stay with them for a while. Although I forgave her, she has not returned. Whenever I followed up, the discussions centred on assault allegations rather than reconciliation,” he said.
Nyabunze also told the court that he recently encountered Mandeya, her sister and Chikunguru at an apostolic shrine.
“When I arrived, a prophet was conducting prayers and talking about casting out evil spirits. As soon as they saw me, Chido, her sister, Chikunguru and the prophet locked themselves inside,” he alleged.
However, Mandeya rejected the adultery allegations, maintaining that any admission she made was made under duress.
“I only admitted to dating Chikunguru because I was being assaulted. I was severely beaten and feared for my life.
“He forced me to phone Chikunguru and tell him that I loved him. He later drove me to Silverbow Cemetery where the assault continued.
“He phoned my mother and allegedly told her he was going to kill me and bury me that day. My clothes were covered in blood and I was rescued by a passer-by. When we returned home, he continued assaulting me with a new fan belt,” she said.
Mandeya said she met Chikunguru at Rusape General Hospital where she was undertaking a mortician’s course.
She said she was no longer interested in maintaining a relationship with Nyabunze.
Her sister, Irene, and their mother denied facilitating any romantic relationship, while Chikunguru also denied having an affair with Mandeya.
After hearing submissions from both sides, Chief Makoni ruled in favour of Nyabunze on the adultery claim, and ordered that a DNA test be conducted on a child born during the period when suspicions about the alleged affair first arose.
“Chido is showing no remorse and appears to be shielding Chikunguru. There is evidence that she was using a secret phone and visiting prophets alongside the alleged boyfriend. The evidence presented before the court is overwhelming.
“The matter will proceed after the DNA test results are available,” ruled Chief Makoni.
