A shocking case unfolding in Harare’s Civil Court reveals a deeply troubled family dynamic: a woman living with two husbands in the same room, their sleeping areas divided only by a curtain.
Brenda Cheri’s extraordinary living arrangement has thrust her into the spotlight, alongside accusations of violence and a tragic loss. At the heart of the matter is Takemore Kagaire, Cheri’s first husband, who claims she married another man while they were still mourning the death of their child.
Kagaire’s testimony painted a picture of a marriage irrevocably fractured. He described the shock of discovering his wife had not only remarried but had brought her new husband into their shared home.
“She has been living with her new husband for two years, and every time I tried to visit her [at home], she insulted me,” he told the court.
The situation, he claimed, escalated beyond verbal abuse. He described instances where he and his children were locked out of their home at night, left to fend for themselves while Cheri partied with her new husband.
“Sometimes she locks the door, leaving me and the children outside at night while she goes out partying with her new partner,” he stated.
He further claimed that this unconventional arrangement is denying him his marital rights.
However, Cheri’s account presented a drastically different narrative. She vehemently denied Kagaire’s accusations, countering with a serious allegation of her own.
“Kagaire killed our child and then beat me, trying to cover up his actions. I fled after the burial because I feared he would kill me too,” she claimed.
This assertion formed the basis of her application for a protection order against Kagaire as she painted a picture of a woman who is trying to escape domestic violence.
The conflicting testimonies presented to Magistrate Mandlenkosi Ndlovu painted starkly contrasting portraits of the relationship. Kagaire’s account focused on the intrusion of a second husband into his marriage and the resulting emotional turmoil.
Cheri’s testimony, on the other hand, centered on allegations of violence and the need for protection from what she described as an abusive husband. The details surrounding the death of their child remain shrouded in conflicting accounts, adding another layer of complexity to an already extraordinary situation.
The court heard detailed accounts of the unusual living arrangement, the accusations and counter-accusations, and the evident emotional distress experienced by all parties involved. The presence of children further complicated the situation, highlighting the potential long-term impact of this family conflict. The physical separation of their sleeping areas by a mere curtain serves as a poignant symbol of the deep divisions within this family.
The Magistrate, faced with these conflicting testimonies, had a difficult task in determining the truth. Ultimately, Magistrate Ndlovu granted Cheri the protection order, a decision that acknowledges the gravity of the allegations made and the need to ensure her safety. However, the underlying issues remain unresolved, leaving the future of this unconventional family unit uncertain.
