Woman secures protection order against abusive Husband

Spiwe Sarakunze

Online Reporter

A Harare Civil Court magistrate has granted a protection order to Kudzanai Sithole, who has accused her husband, Robert Tsindo, of both economic and physical abuse.

Sithole detailed her struggles in court, describing how her efforts to provide for her child from a previous marriage have continuously been undermined by her husband.

She expressed that what began as a hopeful marriage has devolved into a life filled with humiliation, grief, and violence.

“I work hard to provide for my child. This is a child I came with into the marriage; he has never accepted that responsibility. Instead, he uses it to torment me,” Sithole said.

She recounted instances of violence, stating that each time she secures employment or earns money, Tsindo becomes aggressive, accusing her of thinking she is superior and demanding that she hand over her earnings.

Sithole said Tsindo not only fails to support her child but actively discourages her from becoming self-sufficient.

“When I get opportunities, he becomes hostile. Tsindo is my husband, but he is abusive,” she lamented.

The court heard how Sithole’s attempts to improve her family’s situation through hard work have been met with resentment.

“I come home with groceries, and instead of being grateful, he becomes angry, calls me names, and starts beating me. All I want is to live in peace and raise my child without fear,” she said.

One troubling incident involved her being beaten for purchasing bricks for a building project, while Tsindo squandered money on personal indulgences rather than family needs.

“He said I had no right to keep money when he was the man of the house, and he beat me for that. I am tired; I might die in silence,” she recounted.

Despite her repeated attempts to seek help, she felt no solutions were available, leading her to seek legal protection.

“I’m being beaten, humiliated, and used. I fear for my life and for the emotional well-being of my child,” she said.

Sithole added that cultural expectations and the fear of raising her child alone kept her in the marriage, but her husband’s refusal to change and increasing violence compelled her to seek a protection order.

“I want the court to protect me, and I also want to work and raise my child without being beaten,” she said.

In response to her plea, Magistrate Johanna Mukwesha granted the protection order, barring Tsindo from threatening, using violence against, or harassing Sithole regarding her employment and child.