‘Onion war’ spills into court

Mutema told the court that she is now living in fear of her neighbour after she was beaten up.
“I have known no peace after my child uprooted onions in Ncube’s garden.

“After the incident Ncube mobilised her friends to mock me,” she said.
She added that Ncube insults and assaults her regularly.

In response to the allegations Ncube admitted to assaulting Mutema over onions.
“I was coming from the bank when I found my onions uprooted.

“I asked Mutema if it was her child because some of my onions were also uprooted the day before.
“She denied and started insulting me indicating that we should fight because I boast of having a big body,” she said.

The court heard that Ncube agreed to the fight but asked Mutema for some time to prepare food and eat since she was hungry.
“I told her that I need to cook sadza first and eat before starting the fight,” she said.

The court heard that after eating she then approached Mutema for the fight.
“I really gave her a through hiding because she is talkative. When our neighbours intervened to stop us, she asked them to stay away so that I can kill her.

“She also said that I am a witch who wanted to eat her and for that I beat her even more,” she said.
Magistrate Tatenda Manhanzva asked if all this started because of onions and Ncube revealed that the two had a deep seated grudge.

“She once caused me and my husband to separate after she told him lies.
“She also once alleged that I am a witch who caused illness to her child. The onions only acted as a trigger,” she said.

Ms Manhanzva granted the order in Mutema’s favour.
“Although it was necessary for a reciprocal order, we only grant to the one who had applied,” she said.