Vusumuzi Dube
Nothando Zondo, Sunday News Reporter
VIVIAN Ngwenya, a resilient widow from Hwange, Matabeleland North province, has found herself entangled in a web of tragedy and fear following the untimely death of her husband, Cornelius Chuma, in a car accident back in 2016.
Cornelius’ death left her to fend for their two children.
Little did she know that this heartbreaking loss would lead to a series of harrowing ordeals at the hands of her late husband’s own brother, Gift Chuma.
“After Cornelius died in the car crash in October 2016, Gift started demanding that Vivian comes in as his second wife, claiming that is what their tradition dictates,” said a relative who declined to be named.
However, Vivian courageously resisted this oppressive demand, refusing to succumb to societal pressures and asserting her right to make her own choices. This act of defiance infuriated Gift, leading him to unleash a reign of terror upon Vivian and her family.
The relative disclosed the extent of Gift’s cruelty, revealing how he resorted to extreme measures such as kidnapping Vivian’s daughter in a bid to exert control over her.
The relative recounted how Gift, a prominent member of the ruling Zanu-PF party in the district, flaunted his political connections, boasting that he was above the law and immune to prosecution by the authorities.
“Gift openly boasted that no one will be able to stop him and that he won’t rest until Vivian agrees to be his wife,” said the relative.
The situation took a darker turn in 2022 when Vivian found solace in the arms of another man and became pregnant. Upon learning of this development, Gift’s bitterness reached new heights, and he began issuing chilling threats to harm the innocent child.
The relative lamented how the family lived in constant fear, their lives overshadowed by Gift’s menacing presence and the looming specter of violence.
“Despite seeking help from the local police, the family encountered a disheartening reality – the authorities turned a blind eye to Gift’s transgressions, with reports suggesting a reluctance to prosecute him due to his political affiliations,” said the relative.
“This sense of helplessness only deepened the anguish and despair that gripped Vivian and her loved ones, leaving them trapped in a nightmarish cycle of abuse and intimidation,” the relative added.
Amidst the darkness that clouded their lives, Vivian’s unwavering strength and resilience shone through, a beacon of hope in the face of adversity. The tale of Vivian Ngwenya serves as a poignant reminder of the injustices faced by many vulnerable individuals, highlighting the urgent need for justice, protection, and support for those who find themselves trapped in the clutches of oppression and fear.
Online Reporter