Happily ever after

Chief reunites estranged couple

FORMER Buhera Rural District Council treasurer Cholomoni Wakina was reunited with his estranged wife of 11 years after the couple underwent counselling at Chief Makoni’s court in Rusape.

Wakina had approached the traditional court seeking a ‘‘divorce order’’ citing irreconcilable differences with Ivy Chiukira.

Wakina wanted to give Ivy a divorce token in the court.

Narrating his ordeal before the court, Wakina accused Chiukira of a plethora of things which he claimed had made their marriage untenable.

Among the allegations was the fact that Chiukira had been allegedly denying Wakina his conjugal rights, disrespecting and cheating on him.

“We were traditionally married in 2010 and we have three children. Our first problem is that I am a member of AFM church while she is a Seventh Day Adventist. She refuses to do laundry on Saturdays saying she can only do on Sundays.

“We also have bedroom problems, sometimes when I want to enjoy my conjugal rights she refuses without giving me any satisfactory reasons.

‘‘When she agrees she does not respond accordingly, she just lies there like a log. This forced me to look for another wife in 2015.

“Her parents came to our home saying they wanted to resolve our bedroom issues but I found it inappropriate for me to discuss my sexual life with my in-laws. I suggested that they send an aunt or uncle but they insisted on their arrangement and I walked away,” said Wakina.

“Ivy and her parents went to the police and filed rape charges against me and I was arrested.

‘‘They demanded that I give them my car for them to withdraw the allegations and I had no option but to give in to their demands. The dispute was briefly settled.

“She went on to tell me that I do not satisfy her in bed but whenever she is with another man she vomits. She also framed assault charges against me after I enquired about the missing goods and groceries in the house. I was convicted and sentenced to community service. She also obtained a peace order against me.

“I no longer want to be in this marriage. I want to give her a divorce token in this court and share our property right away,” fumed Wakina. However Chiukira disputed Wakina’s version and described him as a violent man. Despite all that, she said she still loves her husband.

“All he is saying are pure lies and fabrications. He is abusive and always assaults me. I once returned to my parents due to his behaviour but he sweet talked me to return to him.

“He then started abusing me again and due to fear for my life I approached the courts for a protection order. Although we are now living like a divorced couple, I have never denied him his conjugal rights. He is the one starving me. I still love him so much,” said Chiukira.

In his ruling, Chief Makoni said his court does not facilitate divorce, but rather fosters harmony among married couples.

He referred the two to his wife for a counseling session.

“Wakina your request to divorce your wife in this court will not be granted. It is my duty to see to it that the institution of marriage remains strong. You two require some marital counselling,” ruled Chief Makoni.

After a lengthy counselling session by the Chief’s wife, the smiling couple emerged from the counselling room hand in hand.