In a distressing turn of events, Robert Vezha, a local resident of Dzivaresekwa, sought refuge in a nearby church following his expulsion from his own home by his allegedly abusive wife, Lucia Vezha.
Robert, determined to ensure his safety, approached the Harare Civil Court, seeking a protection order against his spouse. He accused her of subjecting him to both verbal and physical abuse, as well as disposing of their shared assets without his consent.
Recounting the harrowing incidents, Robert shared his ordeal with the court. “One day she covered my face with a bucket and assaulted me before chasing me from the house.
“She damaged my eardrum and I am going to the doctor for a review on January 22.
“I started staying around the tuck shop area when she first chased me from the house. Now I’m staying at a church in Dzivaresekwa,” said Robert.
In response to the allegations, Lucia vehemently denied chasing her husband out of their matrimonial home. Instead, she offered an alternative explanation for Robert’s departure. According to her, he had returned from Mozambique proclaiming himself to be a prophet and expressed a desire to spend time outside in an effort to commune with the divine.
“He would take his blankets and sleep outside, telling me that he wants to talk to God,” Lucia claimed.
She further disclosed that Robert had reported her to the church authorities, accusing her of evicting him from their residence and selling their household belongings.
“He even reported me kuna Father ku-church that I am chasing him from the house and selling household property kuti ndibviswe uniform yekuRoma,” said Lucia.
Following careful consideration of the evidence presented by both parties, Magistrate Sharon Mashavira granted the protection order to Robert and ordered Lucia not to chase him from their matrimonial home.
