Online Reporter
Solomon Bhumu
Weekender Reporter
A 28-YEAR-OLD Chikanga man, Tafara Mahachi, was on Wednesday denied a protection order by the Mutare Civil Court after failing to substantiate claims that his former girlfriend had been threatening and harassing him at his workplace.
Mahachi had approached the court seeking protection against his 18-year-old ex-girlfriend, Leona Zambuko, with whom he shares a minor child.
He alleged that Zambuko had been visiting his workplace and home, demanding money for the upkeep of their child in a violent and humiliating manner.
The matter was heard by Mutare magistrate, Ms Thandiwe Sibanda.
Mahachi told the court that despite regularly giving Zambuko money for the child, her conduct had become unbearable and was affecting his peace of mind.
“Your worship, this woman is now uncontrollable. I am tired of her behaviour. Recently she came to my house where my wife was and insulted her, yet my wife has nothing to do with our issues,” said Mahachi in his testimony.
He further claimed that Zambuko’s actions was now affecting his employment, alleging that she once confronted him at his workplace over money for the child’s food.
“My superiors warned me that if she continues coming to my workplace and causing disturbances, I could lose my job,” he said.
However, Zambuko dismissed the allegations, admitting only that she had gone to Mahachi’s workplace to seek money for their child’s needs.
She denied being violent or insulting him, either at his workplace or at his home.
“I do not deny going to his workplace to ask for money to buy baby food and nappies because that is the only way I can reach him.
“He has neglected his responsibility for more than four months. He no longer provides for the child, and the burden has fallen on me only,” said Zambuko in her defence.
She insisted that her visits were motivated by the child’s needs and not by any intention to embarrass or threaten Mahachi.
After considering submissions from both parties, Ms Sibanda dismissed Mahachi’s application for a protection order.
She noted that there was no existing maintenance order between the two, which Zambuko could rely on to formally claim child support.
The magistrate warned Mahachi against using the courts to evade his parental responsibilities, advising him that seeking a protection order under the circumstances amounted to an attempt to avoid maintenance obligations.
“If you did not want to maintain a child, you should have been responsible from the start. There is no maintenance order in place, so how do you expect her to get support for the child? As long as the child’s needs are unmet, she will continue approaching you, provided she does so without violence or insults,” said Sibanda.
The court advised the parties to pursue proper maintenance proceedings to resolve the matter in the best interests of the child.
