Deputy Minister Davis Marapira Opposes Sharing Politically Acquired Assets in Divorce Battle

By Southerton Business Times | Harare

Zimbabwe's Deputy Minister of Agriculture, Davis Marapira, has told the High Court that assets he acquired through his political career, government allocations and ZANU-PF connections should not form part of the matrimonial estate to be divided in his divorce from his estranged wife, Sibusisiwe Melody Marapira (née Mutendi). The high-profile divorce case, filed before the High Court in Harare, has drawn public attention after court papers revealed a dispute over farms, luxury vehicles, residential properties in Zimbabwe and South Africa, and the custody of the couple's children.

According to a plea filed on 23 July 2026 through Chibaya Law Chambers, Marapira argues that certain assets hold sentimental value because they are intrinsically linked to his political career and public service, and therefore should not be shared during the divorce settlement.

"The defendant's involvement in national politics constitutes a fundamental aspect of his personal and professional life. The assets in question are inextricably linked to his political career, public service and personal history, embodying significant memories, experiences and achievements accumulated over many years," the court papers state.

The filing further argues that the loss of those assets would cause "substantial personal prejudice beyond their mere monetary value."

Although the court papers do not specify the number or location of the farms in dispute, Marapira claims they were acquired through government allocations or political connections and should remain his exclusive property. He also argues that several vehicles allegedly obtained through government or ZANU-PF should be excluded from the matrimonial estate. These include:

• Land Rover Defender (AGQ 5976)

• Ford Motor vehicle (AGH 3338)

• Toyota Land Cruiser (AFK 1988)

• Nissan Navara (AGE 0797), reportedly allocated by ZANU-PF

Marapira further contends that assets he owned before the marriage should not be considered part of the jointly owned matrimonial property.

Despite contesting the distribution of some assets, Marapira has proposed that Sibusisiwe receive several properties as part of the settlement. According to the court filing, he has offered:

• A fully furnished residential apartment in Pretoria, South Africa;

• A fully furnished four-bedroom house in Defe, Gokwe; and

• An industrial property in Masvingo.

Marapira proposes retaining a low-density residential stand in Clipsham, Masvingo, as well as a property at 589 Campbell Road, Borrowdale. The Deputy Minister also alleges that Sibusisiwe failed to disclose a South African-registered Ford Ranger Platinum (registration MM-13-GC_GP), which he claims he purchased for her.

In addition to the dispute over property, the High Court is expected to determine issues relating to the custody of the couple's children. Sibusisiwe is the daughter of Zion Christian Church (ZCC) Bishop Nehemiah Mutendi. The matter remains before the High Court, and no ruling has yet been made on the division of the matrimonial estate or custody arrangements. As the case is ongoing, the court will ultimately determine the admissibility of the parties' respective claims after hearing evidence from both sides.

Davis Marapira divorce