Harare – A Harare man, Benny Hizaki, found himself before the courts facing accusations of relentless sexual demands from his wife, Nancy Chihota, allegations that even extended to the day of her mother’s funeral.
Chihota applied for a protection order, claiming sexual and physical abuse at the hands of her husband. The case, which has shocked many, highlights the complexities of intimate relationships and the devastating impact of unchecked sexual coercion.
Chihota’s testimony detailed a relentless pattern of sexual demands from Hizaki. “He wants to have sex every day when he returns from work and doesn’t care whether I am on my monthly periods or not,” she stated.
This relentless pursuit, she explained, has left her struggling to cope. “He has been threatening to get a second wife if I continue turning down his sex requests which come almost every day,” she added, expressing her fear and distress.
The most shocking aspect of Chihota’s testimony revolved around the events surrounding her mother’s funeral. Even amidst the grief and solemnity of the occasion, Hizaki allegedly forced himself upon her.
“When my mother passed away he refused to accompany me to the rural areas but before I left and still with tears on my chicks, he forced himself on me,” she recounted.
The alleged abuse continued upon her return from the funeral. “He also forced himself on me again on the day I returned from the funeral claiming he has conjugal rights,” she said, highlighting the callous disregard for her emotional state.
Despite the severity of the alleged abuse, Chihota expressed lingering affection for her husband.
“I still love him but because of the way he acts, sometimes, I feel like I am losing interest in him,” she admitted, revealing the internal conflict she faces between love and the need for protection.
The situation underscores the complex dynamics often present in abusive relationships, where victims may struggle to reconcile their feelings for their abuser with the need to escape the abuse.
Hizaki, however, offered a different perspective on the situation. He claimed that his behaviour stemmed from Chihota’s alleged deception regarding her HIV status.
“She has been taking antiretroviral drugs for the past five years and she did not bother to tell me. I feel like I should also punish her for five years. I also love her but she can’t be trusted,” he stated as he attempted to justify his actions.
His statement raises another layer of complexity to the case, highlighting the potential impact of undisclosed medical information on a relationship. His claim of wanting to “punish” her for five years, however, reveals a concerning mindset and a lack of understanding regarding consent and healthy relationships.
The case highlights the often-unseen struggles faced by many women in Zimbabwe, who experience sexual coercion within their marriages. The relentless nature of Hizaki’s demands, coupled with the alleged incidents surrounding the funeral, paints a disturbing picture of a relationship dominated by power imbalance and a disregard for Chihota’s emotional and physical well-being. The fact that the alleged abuse occurred even during a period of intense grief underscores the gravity of the situation.
The magistrate presiding over the case, Meenal Narotam, considered the evidence presented by both parties. Ultimately, she granted Chihota the protection order, a decision that reflects the court’s recognition of the severity of the allegations and the need to protect Chihota from further harm.
The granting of the protection order offers Chihota a crucial legal safeguard, providing a measure of protection and potentially paving the way for a safer future.
