Vusumuzi Dube
Sunday News Reporter
ASSERT Maphosa, a resident of Emganwini in Bulawayo, is reportedly facing ongoing abuse by her boyfriend, Mthabisi Nkomo, with whom she resides. The situation has raised concerns among neighbors who fear for Maphosa’s safety and the well-being of her two children, Denzel and Liana Sibanda.
According to neighbours, Mthabisi Nkomo’s abusive behavior has escalated to alarming levels. It is alleged that he once threatened to rape Assert Maphosa in front of her children, and there have been reports of him engaging in inappropriate behavior with Denzel, such as playing with the child’s private parts while he was bathing.
“At one point we heard Mr Nkomo screaming at Maphosa saying ngizokubulala wena (I will kill you).
“We have reached a point that as residents we have had to approach the media to help expose this animal because our neighbour is living in fear,” said a neighbour who declined to be named.
Efforts to report Mthabisi Nkomo to the police have reportedly yielded no results, as he is said to have used his connections as an active supporter of the ruling Zanu-PF party to avoid arrest. This has left Assert Maphosa feeling helpless and unprotected, as she continues to endure the abuse.
It has been revealed that Assert Maphosa had broken up with her first husband, Desmond Sibanda, in the hope of starting a new and loving relationship with Mthabisi Nkomo. However, the initial affectionate behavior displayed by Nkomo took a drastic turn, leading to the current abusive situation.
The story of Assert Maphosa’s ordeal highlights the urgent need for action to address domestic violence and ensure the safety and well-being of individuals facing such abuse.
Bongani Ndlovu