The ManicaPost
Tendai Gukutikwa
Weekender Correspondent
THERE is a difference between giving up and knowing when you have had enough.
Those were the words of a fed-up Mutare woman as she broke down during a court session last Friday, begging the court to end her loveless marriage.
Mercy Mauku described her estranged husband, Kudzai Matimati, as a violent man who always turns to his axe when he wants to silence her.
The couple appeared before Mutare magistrate, Ms Nyasha Kuture, with Mauku applying for a protection order against Matimati.
She told the court that instead of being a loving husband and father, Matimati is a feared, violent and stone-hearted man who only loves his axe.
“Your Worship, I have had enough and I cannot take it any longer. He sharpens his axe on a daily basis and threatens to kill me with it. Whenever we have an argument, which is now a daily dosage in our home, he grabs the axe and threatens to strike me with it.
“I have to take refuge at my neighbour’s place most of the times. I am now living in fear of being killed in my sleep. He has been telling me on countless occasions that he will kill me.
“I beg this court to rescue me from this heartless man. I cannot risk going back to our matrimonial home after this court session because I know my life will be in danger if I do so,” begged Mauku.
She said Matimati is refusing to part ways amicably, hence her decision to approach the court even though they are not legally married.
She said when he was served with the court summons, Matimati had told her that if the court delivers an unfavourable judgement, he would ruthlessly deal with her.
In response, Matimati did not dispute that his axe is very close to his heart. He even highlighted that at many occasions,he has been stopped by neighbours from striking her.
He, however, told the court that he was not a violent man, but only reacts to Mauku’s provocations.
“I love my wife,” he said.
Ms Kuture granted the protection order in Mauku’s favour, but advised her to give Matimati a divorce token if she has had enough of his torment.
“If this continues, you will be killed. Please tell your neighbours to always be on the lookout. I, however, cannot separate the two of you or evict one from the house since this is a protection order application.
“Make an eviction order application and give him a divorce token if you no longer want to be with him,” Ms Kuture advised Mauku.
