Lovemore Kadzura
Weekender Reporter
A NYANGA family has been torn apart by a long-running love affair between two brothers’ households, culminating in divorce proceedings and a traditional court ruling against the younger sibling for engaging in a taboo relationship.
The dramatic case unfolded at Chief Hata’s community court, where Peter Munazvo, accused his younger brother, Amos Munazvo, of having an illicit affair with his wife, Maria Mandikonza, a relationship he said ultimately destroyed his marriage.
Peter said the affair dates back to 2010 when Amos moved into his house while searching for employment.
“I was staying with my wife and working in Harare when Amos requested to stay with us as he looked for a job. To my surprise, he started dating my wife while I was away at work,” said Peter.
Peter said Maria later confessed to the affair, prompting him to seek intervention from church elders.
“The matter was taken to church, where we received counselling. I forgave the two after they promised not to continue with the relationship,” he said.
However, Peter alleged that the affair persisted. He said after relocating to South Africa in 2020, he received a disturbing report from an elder brother the following year.
“My brother told me Amos was seriously ill and wanted to confess. He admitted sleeping with my wife during my absence and also claimed to have had relationships with two other women married to his brothers. When I confronted Maria, she admitted the affair and told me to leave her alone,” he said.
Peter said he attempted to dissolve the marriage in 2022, but faced resistance from family members who preferred that the matter be resolved through counselling.
Unable to reach a lasting solution, he eventually demolished the house in which Maria was staying in a bid to force her to leave his homestead.
“I destroyed the house because she refused to leave despite our separation. She should either stay with Amos or return to her parents. The police advised us to bring the matter before this community court,” he said.
When given an opportunity to respond, Amos did not deny the allegations.
“Yes, it is true that I am dating my brother’s wife. If she is willing, I can take her as my wife,” he stunned the court.
Maria also openly declared her affection for Amos and accused Peter of neglecting her and their family.
She claimed that Peter failed to adequately support her while working in South Africa and had shifted his attention to another wife.
“I can stay with Amos if he wants me. My husband abandoned his responsibilities a long time ago. While he was in South Africa, he sent very little money for my upkeep. Now all his attention is on his new wife,” she said.
After hearing submissions from all parties, Chief Hata advised Peter to formally end the marriage by paying a divorce token in the presence of Maria’s relatives, who attended the proceedings.
He further ordered Peter to escort Maria back to her parents’ home.
Chief Hata also found Amos guilty of makunakuna, a traditional taboo involving a sexual relationship with a close relative’s spouse, and fined him one beast.
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