Online Reporter
Spiwe Sarakunze
Herald Reporter
A Harare woman has sued her ex-husband at the Harare Civil Court, accusing him of issuing death threats and denying her access to their children.
Ms Catherine Gawa told magistrate Ms Johanna Mukwesha that her ex-husband, Mr Emmanuel Mukiwa threatened to shoot her with a gun he allegedly keeps hidden under his mattress.
“I am scared for my life. He told me he would kill me and he even showed me the gun that he keeps under the bed,” she said.
“He has taken our children and refuses me any form of access to them. Whenever I try to reach out to them or even see them, he becomes violent and threatening. I’m living in fear every day.”
Ms Gawa said her relationship with Mr Mukiwa had become toxic after their separation, which she claimed was worsened by his control over their children.
She alleged that her ex-husband had turned the children against her and was intentionally keeping them from her.
“I am their mother but now I am being treated like a stranger. He won’t even let me speak to them on the phone,” she said.
Ms Gawa said the emotional toll of being cut off from her children was made worse by Mr Mukiwa’s alleged threats and constant harassment.
According to Ms Gawa, her ex-husband repeatedly reminds her that he had the power to end her life and has no remorse about doing so.
Mr Mukiwa denied making any threats or possessing a firearm and instead painted Ms Gawa as an irresponsible and reckless woman.
“She is the one who should be questioned. I gave her over US$500 for school fees but she used that money to get drunk with her friends. She’s always partying, drinking and neglecting the children,” said Mr Mukiwa.
He accused Ms Gawa of being an alcoholic saying she was failing to fulfill her duties as a mother because of her drinking habits.
“Sometimes she disappears for days. I took the children because I feared for their safety,” he said.
“They need a stable home and not to be dragged around bars and parties.”
After both parties presented their testimonies, Ms Mukwesha granted a protection order in favour of Ms Gawa.
She advised both parties to maintain peace at all times and ordered Mr Mukiwa to refrain from harassing, insulting and assaulting his ex-wife.
Online Reporter