Online Reporter
Lovemore Kadzura
Weekender Reporter
A RUSAPE man, Beyond Magwena, was left humiliated recently when a hired mob surrounded his house, intending to confront him and his wife over allegations of neglecting his small house.
The matter came before Chief Makoni’s community court, where Phibion Mutombwa dragged Magwena, demanding damages for allegedly cohabiting with his sister, Prisca, as husband and wife without the family consent.
Mutombwa sought compensation of three beasts, three goats, and US$1 000. Mutombwa told the court that Magwena had enticed his sister to abandon her job, promising to take care of her, but failed to honour his commitments — leaving Prisca unable to support their mother.
“My sister was impregnated by Magwena, and the child died upon delivery at the hospital. That was the first time I learnt that she was staying with him. She used to send medication for our mother, but stopped after saying this man had made her leave her job. For over a year, she has not been sending anything because Magwena reneged on his promises. I want him to pay three beasts, three goats, and US$1 000,” said Mutombwa.
Magwena, however, insisted that Prisca was merely his girlfriend, and accused her of complicating their relationship by storming his home with thugs.
He claimed he had intended to formalise the relationship, but was discouraged by her violent behaviour towards him and his wife.
“I met Prisca while repairing Damburamuchato Bar, where she worked. I was open with her that I had a wife, and she accepted it. She later told me that she was pregnant. She was fired after a US$70 shortfall, and I even covered it for her. She later moved to Mabvazuwa suburb, and I gave her US$30 for her child’s school fees. But she shocked me when she came to my house with hired thugs, creating a scene. I had to lock my wife inside to protect her,” Magwena testified.
He added that despite being married for 20 years, Prisca continued to visit his homestead, threatening his wife.
Prisca, in her defence, told the court she only went to Magwena’s house after he abandoned her for five months, leaving her struggling to survive.
“I am shocked by his claim that he was planning to marry me. It has been five months since he last came to my house. Since I changed lodgings, he has never visited or checked how I am surviving. I only went to his house once. I still love him, though,” said Prisca.
In his ruling, Chief Makoni ordered Magwena to pay three beasts and two goats as part of bride price if he was genuine about his love for Prisca.
He also warned Prisca against harassing Magwena’s wife.
“Both parties claim they still love each other. Magwena, to prove his claims, must pay three beasts and two goats to Prisca’s family. This is where the truth will come out. Prisca is advised against making unwanted visits to Magwena’s homestead. Magwena, wotoudza mukadzi kuti kwana mainini,” ruled Chief Makoni.
