The ManicaPost
Weekender Reporter
A Headlands man is in trouble after he married a second wife despite being legally married to someone else.
James Muswere of Plot One Mapopi Falls’ whose marriage to Tabeth Muswere is still valid was recently arrested and dragged to court on bigamy charges.
He is also being charged with perjury after her allegedly lied under oath that he married Tabeth under customary law when they are, in fact, in a civil monogamous union.
Muswere has allegedly taken in a second wife, Idah Mupanganyemba.
He built her a house next to his matrimonial home at the plot, thereby prompting Tabeth to make a report against her husband for allegedly violating Section 104 of the Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Act, Chapter 9.23 which bars parties in monogamous marriages to marry a second partner during the subsistence of their marriage.
Muswere who is represented by Mrs Ruvimbo Chijara-Kuhudzayi of Khupe Law Chambers denied both charges when he recently appeared before Rusape magistrate, Mrs Patience Chirimo at Headlands Circuit Court.
The matter was adjourned to today (Friday) for judgment.
Prosecutor, Mr Marlon Makamba said James and Tabeth Muswere still have a binding monogamous marriage, therefore James cannot marry another wife.
“On October 27, 2001, James Muswere entered into a monogamous marriage with Tabeth Muswere at Anglican Parish of Melfort, Ruwa, Entry Number 07/2001.
“In January 2023, the accused person entered into another marriage by marrying Idah Mupanganyemba without the knowledge or consent of the complainant.
“In June 2023, the accused went on to build a new house adjacent to his matrimonial home and moved in with Idah Mupanganyemba as husband and wife.
“The complainant filed a Civil Case Number 328/23 of spoliation against her husband, James Muswere, which was heard on October 12, 2023. Accused person testified in court under oath that he was customarily married to the complainant, yet they are in a civil marriage.
“The marriage certificate between the accused and the complainant, as well as ruling for Case Number RSPCG328/23 can be produced in court as exhibits,” said Mr Makamba.
