Rusape Marriage Dispute Reaches Chief’s Court

By Staff Reporter | Rusape

A Rusape marriage dispute involving allegations of adultery, assault and a disputed paternity claim has spilled into Chief Makoni’s community court, after a man accused another man of having an affair with his wife.

Ashley Nyabunze told the court that his marriage to Chido Mandeya, with whom he has three children, had deteriorated after he discovered what he alleged was an affair between his wife and Ngonidzashe Chikunguru. Nyabunze said he had supported Mandeya’s training as a mortician at Rusape General Hospital, but later became suspicious after receiving information that Chikunguru was driving her around.

He alleged that Mandeya also used a secret cellphone to communicate with Chikunguru. “I used a friend’s vehicle to monitor her movements, and at one point saw her with my cousin while she was communicating with Chikunguru and asking him to buy her pizza,” Nyabunze told the court. He said he later confronted Mandeya at their home, resulting in a confrontation during which he claimed she admitted to the relationship and subsequently apologised to his relatives.

According to Nyabunze, Mandeya’s parents then asked her to stay with them temporarily. “Although I forgave her, she has not returned. Whenever I followed up, the discussions centred on assault allegations rather than reconciliation,” he said. Nyabunze also accused Mandeya’s mother and sister, Irene, of knowing about the alleged relationship and communicating with Chikunguru.

He further claimed that he recently encountered Mandeya, her sister and Chikunguru at an apostolic shrine. “When I arrived, a prophet was conducting prayers and talking about casting out evil spirits. As soon as they saw me, Chido, her sister, Chikunguru and the prophet locked themselves inside,” he alleged.

Wife denies affair, alleges assault

Mandeya denied having an affair with Chikunguru and told the court that any admission she had previously made was obtained under duress. She accused Nyabunze of assaulting her and said she feared for her life. “I only admitted to dating Chikunguru because I was being assaulted. I was severely beaten and feared for my life,” she said.

Mandeya alleged that Nyabunze forced her to call Chikunguru and tell him that she loved him before taking her to Silverbow Cemetery, where she claimed the assault continued. She further alleged that Nyabunze threatened to kill and bury her. “My clothes were covered in blood, and I was rescued by a passer-by. When we returned home, he continued assaulting me with a new fan belt,” she told the court.

Mandeya confirmed that she met Chikunguru while undertaking her course at Rusape General Hospital but denied having an affair with him. She also told the court that she no longer wanted to continue her marriage to Nyabunze. Her mother and sister Irene denied facilitating any relationship between Mandeya and Chikunguru, while Chikunguru also denied the adultery allegations.

DNA test ordered

After hearing evidence from the parties, Chief Makoni found in favour of Nyabunze on the adultery claim and ordered a DNA test on a child born during the period when the allegations first arose. In his ruling, Chief Makoni said Mandeya had shown no remorse and appeared to be protecting Chikunguru.

He cited the alleged secret cellphone and the parties’ reported presence at prophets’ gatherings as part of the evidence before the court.

“The evidence presented before the court is overwhelming,” Chief Makoni ruled.

The chief said the matter would proceed after the DNA results become available.

The allegations of assault made by Mandeya were disputed within the proceedings, and any separate criminal implications would require determination through the appropriate legal process. The case highlights the increasingly complex disputes that can come before traditional courts, where family breakdown, allegations of infidelity and paternity disputes can overlap.

Rusape marriage dispute