Online Reporter
Solomon Bhumu
Weekender Reporter
A CHIKANGA woman dragged her husband to Mutare Civil Court seeking a protection order, accusing him of physical assault and harassment, in a case that has brought to light a tangled web of domestic disputes, financial mistrust and unresolved marital tensions.
Patience Rimwe appeared before Mutare magistrate, Mr Xavier Chipato, claiming that her husband, Timothy Chemhere had been physically abusing her and interfering with her fruit vending business.
According to Rimwe, her husband would frequently show up at her vending stall, demanding money and creating chaos.
“He comes to my market stall where I sell fruits and demands money, sometimes threatening me in front of my customers,” she told the court.
Rimwe further alleged that Chemhere had developed the habit of assaulting her, accusing her of selling their matrimonial property without his consent.
“He beats me because he claims I am selling our property behind his back. I have never sold any family assets,” she insisted.
However, the husband, Timothy Chemhere, presented a different version of events, alleging that his wife was the one at fault and was using the court to escape accountability for her actions.
He claimed that Rimwe had misappropriated funds amounting to US$4 200 from a joint business they operate.
“Your worship, me and my wife run a business together. I send groceries and spare parts from South Africa through bus drivers and she sells them locally. Last month, I asked her to send the proceeds from the sales so that I could restock but she failed to account for the money. That forced me to travel back from South Africa,” Chemhere explained.
He added that upon arriving home, he was shocked to discover that their jointly owned vehicle was missing.
“When I returned, our car was gone. She told me different stories but nothing made sense,” he said.
The case became more complex when Chemhere revealed in court that he had married a second wife, a development he believes is the root cause of the ongoing disputes.
“I know where all this is coming from. She is jealous of my second wife. She does not want me to treat her the same way I treat the new wife,” he claimed.
Chemhere denied ever assaulting Rimwe, insisting he had never laid a hand on her for 14 years of their marriage.
“I was shocked to receive summons from the court for assault. I have never beaten her,” he maintained.
Rimwe, however, defended her actions, claiming she hid the vehicle at a friend’s place because she feared Chemhere would sell it.
She also disputed the husband’s narrative regarding the business funds.
“Those groceries he is talking about were for household use, not for sale. He never told me to sell them,” she said.
The court also heard that Chemhere had involved both his and Rimwe’s relatives in the dispute.
A meeting was held and Rimwe allegedly admitted to be in possession of the money, although she later claimed she only said so under duress.
“I admitted to having the money for the sake of peace. He was blaming my father, who had to travel all the way from Mozambique for this issue,” she said.
The matter prompted Mr Chipato to issue a protection order in favour of Rimwe.
In his ruling, Mr Chipato encouraged the couple to resolve their differences amicably and privately without involving relatives.
He ordered Rimwe to return the vehicle to their shared residence and warned Chemhere that any violation of the court order would lead to further legal action.
“This court is not the place for married couples to play power games. You must find a peaceful way to resolve your domestic issues. I am granting the protection order to ensure your safety, Mrs Rimwe and Mr Chemhere, if you violate this order, you will face serious consequences,” said Mr Chipato.
