Online Reporter
Precious Manomano
Herald Reporter
AGNES Sianzira, a 35-year-old woman from Chikuti in Karoi, Mashonaland West Province, is currently battling for her life at Sally Mugabe Central Hospital in Harare after brutal domestic violence left her with both legs amputated.
This tragic incident was allegedly orchestrated by her husband, Clayton Machiva, also known as Muwore, who set dynamites under their matrimonial bed following an argument over financial issues.
As a survivor of gender-based violence, Agnes’s story highlights the grave and distressing realities many women face in society.
Agnes has endured a long history of abuse at the hands of her husband. Her younger sister, Esnara Sianzira, shared said that Agnes had been suffering from gender-based violence for years, often keeping the suffering to herself.
“We know that this man was violent; he is an artisinal miner. They had a dispute on December 20,2025, and although Agnes was beaten, she insisted that he should not be arrested when we reported the matter to the Lion’s Den police station.They went home together that day, where he planned his malicious act,” Esnara said.
On the morning of the explosion, around 3am, Agnes’s life changed irreparably.
The detonation resulted in the loss of both her legs, a devastating consequence of an unimaginable betrayal. Community members quickly called to assist her, ferrying her to a local clinic before she was airlifted to Harare for advanced medical treatment.
Since last month, Agnes has undergone three surgeries. Esnara revealed the complexity of Agnes’s situation, stating that her husband is believed to have taken another wife, exacerbating the tensions within their marriage.
“This man comes from Dande and has a bad history of criminal records,” she noted. As the trauma unfolded, Agnes’ children, who are now in the care of their grandmother, lost not only their mother’s presence but also their primary source of parental care and guidance.
Reflecting on the deterioration of their relationship, Agnes shared her heartbreak.
“The story started when he took a second wife. He left me for her in Karoi but eventually returned, surprisingly requesting airtime and money from me. Little did I know he was planning something sinister.”
This unfortunate turn of events is emblematic of the cycles of abuse that many women endure, often in silence.
Despite her trials, Agnes’ resilience shines through. She is not just a victim; she is a survivor, courageously facing the aftermath of her husband’s violence.
In a gesture of hope and support, Mr Patikayi Kureba, an Advanced Care Paramedic student with the Women’s University in Africa, donated a wheelchair to Agnes.
He expressed his commitment to philanthropy. “I find a lot of delight in bringing joy to patients. For me, assisting patients like Agnes in rebuilding their lives is a true success. This wheelchair should ensure her mobility and aid her in daily tasks.”
Tragically, Agnes’s husband is still on the run, and despite the gravity of the situation, his family has not reached out to offer their support
This adds another layer of isolation for Agnes, who is grappling with not just her physical injuries but also the emotional scars of betrayal and abandonment.
In Zimbabwe, the statistics surrounding gender-based violence are alarming; approximately 1 in 3 women aged 15-49 have experienced physical violence, and about 1 in 4 have faced sexual violence since the age of 15.
With nearly 39.4 percent of women reporting physical violence and 16.2 percent indicating they were married before turning 18, the need for awareness and intervention has never been more pressing.
Agnes’s story is a call to action for individuals and communities to stand against gender-based violence and support survivors in their healing journeys.
Those wishing to assist Agnes with her hospital bills and other essential needs can contact her sister, Esnara Sianzira, at 0784538823 or 0786258386.
Agnes’ journey is not just one of suffering but of resilience and survival.
Her story reminds of the urgent need to address the epidemic of gender-based violence and the importance of community support in helping survivors rebuild their lives.
