adminThandeka Moyo Court Reporter
A TEACHER at Hugh Beadle Primary school in Bulawayo was yesterday arraigned before the courts for allegedly wrecking a one-year-old marriage. Yvonne Chitiyo was slapped with a peace order barring her from calling, visiting, threatening, and messaging Zivanai Chikwanda and his wife Makandipei Gombera.
The teacher also applied for a reciprocal peace order against her lover’s wife, which was also granted by the court.
Gombera told Magistrate Chrispen Mberewere that she was no longer living in peace as Chitiyo was in the habit of driving in and out of her house with her husband knowing very well that he was married.
“I’m married to Chikwanda and we have a three-day-old baby. This woman is dating my husband and always drives to our house when picking him up or dropping him off. I tried talking to her to stop coming to my house and she still disrespects me,” said Gombera.
She also accused Chitiyo of making her a laughing stock in North End suburb where she (Chitiyo) is always seen with Chikwanda masquerading as a happy couple.
“She calls him daily, sends WhatsApp messages and though I tried reaching out, she openly told me that she will never leave my husband. At one point, she promised to leave my husband saying she did not know that he was married but she continues to come to my house and visit my husband,” Gombera said.
In response, Chitiyo also applied for a peace order against Gombera, claiming she was sure Chikwanda would eventually leave his wife for her.
“I’m in a relationship with Chikwanda who stays with Gombera though they’re not legally married. They’re only culturally married and Chikwanda said he will leave her soon, that is why he decided not to pay lobola for her,” said Chitiyo.
The primary school teacher said Gombera called her on December 12 and threatened her with unspecified action.
“On December 13 she came to my house and started shouting and stoning me. She also threatened to come to my workplace and in all this she emotionally abused me thus I seek the court to grant me a peace order,” said Chitiyo.
Magistrate Mberewere rebuked her for continuously calling and texting Chikwanda, fully aware that he was a married man.
“I don’t call him as it is always him who calls me. I don’t know how I can control that but I have never threatened Gombera,” said Chitiyo.
Magistrate Mberewere advised both women to stop abusing each other.
“This order will apply to both of you. You should not visit her home or workplace or call each other. You must also stop threatening each other in anyway,” said Magistrate Mberewere.
Online Reporter