Bashed for taking care of family

A Mutare woman has obtained a protection order against her violent husband who whips her with a belt.

Faith Mwarai recently appeared before Mutare magistrate, Mr Xavier Chipato said she applied for a protection order against her husband, Chenjerai Jubika.

Mwarai said Jubika turned her into his punching bag after she expressed her interest in becoming a vendor in Penhalonga.

“He barred me from selling various products in Penhalonga, he says the area is frequented by women of loose morals. He said he is worried that I might end up joining them.

“However, I went to trade in Penhalonga against his will as he was failing to take care of the family. One of our child was chased away from school for failing to pay fees. I was left with no option but to work and put food on the table. When he discovered that I was working as a vendor in Penhalonga, he assaulted me with a belt. The beatings are now daily and I can no longer stand them,” she said.

Mwarai said she had to seek refuge at her sister’s house last month after being assaulted by Jubika.

She said after leaving her matrimonial home, Jubika now waylays her at the bus stop and confiscates her products.

She also said Jubika has since confiscated her passport, national ID card and her phone.

Mwarai said she is prepared to go back home if Jubika amends his behaviour.

Jibika was in default and Mr Chipato granted the protection order in Mwarai’s favour.

Mr Chipato also said Jubika should return Mwarai’s national ID, passport and phone.

According to the 2015 Zimbabwe Demographic and Health Survey, in Zimbabwe, about one in three women aged 15 to 49 have experienced physical violence since the age of 15.