The ManicaPost
Tanyaradzwa Mujati
Weekender Reporter
A Nyazura man was struck with a hoe by his ex-wife as the two fought over a tent, a Mutare court has heard.
Mercy Kavengwa and Elphius Kavengwa appeared before magistrate, Mr Xavier Chipato, with the former applying for a protection order against her husband.
Mercy argued that her ex-husband is in the habit of harassing and assaulting her.
She said Elphius came to her place demanding the tent she had borrowed from him.
“I borrowed a tent from Elphius and cut it into two pieces so that one piece could cover the leaking part of my roof, while the other piece was being used by the children.
“My ex-husband then came to my house demanding his tent back. When he failed to get the tent, he assaulted me. In self defence, I attacked him with a hoe. I hit him on the head, leg and below the rib cage,” said Mercy.
Mercy reported the assault case at Nyazura Police Station and Elphius was rushed to Rusape General Hospital for medical assistance.
The court heard that Elphius refused to file charges against his ex-wife.
“I refused to press any charges against my ex-wife as this would have resulted in her arrest. My children would have been left without their mother. My ex-wife was made to pay a fine,” said Elphius.
However, Mercy said she wanted a protection order against her ex-husband as he constantly visits her parent’s home to disturb her peace.
She said as a result, they end up fighting.
Elphius denied the allegations.
“She is denying me access to my children.
“I had to go and visit her parent’s home to discuss the issue, but I got a raw deal from them.
“Her father spit on my face and called me all sorts of names. He also hurled unprintable words to my mother. I have videos of the incident in my phone.
“The other time when I visited her to ask for the tent, she attacked me.] I have the medical records and a letter from the police confirming the assault. She is lying that I started the fight.
“I will be happy if you grant her the protection order she is seeking because I am tired of being victimised,” said Elphius.
Mr Chipato granted a binding protection order for the two.
The couple was ordered not to assault, harass, threaten or disturb each other’s peace.
