Woman evicted by hubby, sleeps in the open

Tendai Gukutikwa
A MUTARE traditional healer and her family have been left homeless after being evicted from their Chikanga high-density house they have been staying for over two decades after her husband allegedly sold the house.

Pelnar Maoneke(64), her granddaughter (15) and a six-week-old great grandchild have been living in the open since last Tuesday after the Messenger of Court booted them out of House Number 2225, Chikanga Phase 2.

This was after her husband of 35 years, Thomas Nhukarume(65) was granted an eviction order by the courts.

When The Manica Post visited the family on Wednesday, they were camped outside the gate with their property as the new owner’s cleaner was busy cleaning the house.

The house is said to have been bought by one Mrs Mazemo who could not be reached for comment.

Maoneke said she had also contributed towards the buying of the house, but it was registered in her husband’s name.

“I bought the stand in 1993 with the money that I had earned as a cross-border trader. The house was registered in his name because a payslip was required when purchasing the stand and I did not have any.

“I also built the house with my own hard earned cash and at that time Nhukarume was no longer employed and everyone in this neighbourhood can testify to that,” she said.

She had her relationship with Nhukarume soared after he allegedly raped their then nine-year-old granddaughter and infected her with the HIV virus some time back.

“I was in South Africa for a month and when I came back my granddaughter told me that Nhukarume had been sleeping with her for a month.

“When the matter was reported to the police, he was arrested. He is currently out on bail,” she said.

Nhukarume was not available for comment as his phone was switched off, but in his founding affidavit on the eviction order, he stated that Maoneke was his ex-wife and that their property had been shared in terms of a High Court order to which he was awarded Number 2225, Chikanga 2, Mutare.

Maoneke, however, denied ever receiving any summons from the High Court regarding the matter.

Ms Ruth Sabwe, a neighbour who was present as the Messenger of Court moved Maoneke’s property out said: “We are appealing to the nation at large, human rights organisations and gender activists to intervene and help this woman.

“Everybody knows that this house belongs to her. She built the house using her cross-border trading earnings, while her husband was at home enjoying the proceeds of her sweat.”