Gokwe Woman Takes Husband to Chief Over Year-Long Lack of Intimacy

A traditional court gathering in rural Zimbabwe is discussing a marital dispute

A woman from Gokwe has taken her marital dispute to a traditional court, claiming her husband has not been intimate with her for nearly a year, leaving her frustrated and concerned about the future of their marriage.

Irene Chipatu raised the matter before local traditional leaders, saying that despite the couple having seven children together, their relationship has been strained by what she described as her husband’s inability to perform sexually.

Speaking during the hearing, Chipatu said the couple previously relied on assistance from a traditional healer who provided herbal remedies that she believes helped them maintain their marital relationship. She told the court that the remedies had played a role in helping the couple conceive their seven children.

However, according to Chipatu, the situation has worsened in recent months, and the couple has not been intimate for almost a year. She further alleged that attempts by others to assist her husband have been unsuccessful, claiming he sometimes destroys traditional medicines or prayer items meant to help address the issue.

The matter has now been referred to Chief Chireya, who is expected to provide guidance and mediate between the couple. The pair have been instructed to return to the traditional court in two weeks as efforts continue to resolve the dispute.

Traditional leaders present at the hearing encouraged couples facing marital challenges to communicate openly and seek assistance where necessary. They said couples experiencing difficulties in their relationships should consider professional medical advice, counselling, or culturally appropriate support systems before conflicts escalate. Marital disputes involving intimacy issues are sometimes handled in traditional courts in rural communities, where local leaders often play a role in mediation and reconciliation.

Gokwe woman; traditional court Zimbabwe; lack of intimacy; marriage