A Harare Civil Court has granted a protection order to Agness Nyambawa after she alleged that her husband, Chenjerai Nyambawa, subjected her to a harrowing ordeal of physical and emotional abuse.
The court heard a harrowing account of alleged abuse, including claims of assault, verbal abuse, and the disturbing practice of bringing home used condoms.
Agness was seeking protection from her husband’s alleged actions and told the court that Chenjerai’s behaviour had reached a point where she feared for her safety and well-being. She claimed that her husband frequently subjected her to verbal abuse, calling her derogatory names and belittling her.
“My husband comes home and calls his girlfriend while his phone will be on loud speaker. He comes home with used condoms before placing them on our bed telling me to throw them away. He assaults me saying that I am barren and he stabbed me in my eye. I no longer see clearly and he disturbs my peace by calling his girlfriend in midnight saying that she is sweet compared to me,” she said.
The alleged abuse extended beyond verbal attacks, as Agness claimed that Chenjerai physically assaulted her on multiple occasions. She described instances where he would hold her by the throat and pull her to the ground when she requested money.
“He held me by the throat and pulls me to the ground each time l asks him for money. He covers himself with a black and white cloth sprinkling water on me while I am sleeping, shouting that l should repent,” she said.
These allegations, if true, paint a disturbing picture of a marriage marred by violence and disrespect. The court, hearing Agness’s testimony, deemed her claims credible enough to warrant the granting of a protection order, a legal measure designed to safeguard individuals from further harm.
Chenjerai, however, denied his wife’s allegations, claiming that she was the one who instigated the trouble.
“I love my family and I want peace with her but she is the one who starts trouble,” he said.
The court’s decision to grant the protection order underscores the seriousness of domestic violence and the need for legal intervention to protect victims.
