Bulawayo – In a chilling display of domestic violence, a woman has sought legal protection from her abusive husband, who she claims has subjected her to relentless physical and verbal abuse after discovering his infidelity. Juliet Ringisai, a resident of How Mine on the outskirts of Bulawayo, appeared before the Bulawayo Civil Court seeking a protection order against her husband, Wellington Ruvengo.
Ringisai painted a harrowing picture of her marriage, describing a once happy union that descended into a nightmare after she uncovered her husband’s extramarital affairs. “My marriage was a happy affair, but things took a turn for the worst after I discovered that he was cheating on me with a number of women,” she stated in her affidavit. “I then confronted him and he got angry.”
This confrontation, she claims, sparked a cycle of violence that has left her battered and emotionally scarred. “From that time my life has been subjected to bashing and insults,” Ringisai told the court. “He also fabricated a lie that I was cheating on him so as to find an excuse to physically and verbally abuse me. At times he does not buy food.”
The abuse, according to Ringisai, is a near-daily occurrence, with Ruvengo often returning from nights out intoxicated and unleashing his fury upon his wife. “He brands me a prostitute,” she said, vehemently denying the accusations. “He fabricates these lies to justify his violence.”
The emotional toll of the abuse is evident in Ringisai’s testimony. “He throws my clothes out of the house whenever we argue,” she said, her voice trembling with fear. “I have tried to engage him to solve the problem, but he refuses.”
Ruvengo, however, vehemently denied all accusations levelled against him. “She is lying,” he asserted in court. “I never assaulted her or cheated on her. There is a case in court against her for assaulting me.”
Despite Ruvengo’s denial, Bulawayo Magistrate Challenge Mahembe recognised the severity of the situation and granted Ringisai a protection order against her husband. The order, valid for five years, prohibits Ruvengo from physically and verbally abusing his wife.
This case underscores the disturbing reality of domestic violence in Zimbabwe, a problem that often goes unreported due to shame and fear. The case also highlights the devastating impact of infidelity on relationships, often leading to destructive behaviour and violence.
