Harare – The recent reconciliation of former Commonwealth flyweight champion Arifonso “Mosquito” Zvenyika and his wife, Jesman Mutokonya, following the revelation of her infidelity, has been overshadowed by a lesser-known chapter in the boxer’s life: a suicide attempt.
This previously untold story, revealed by close friend and journalist Gilbert Munetsi, adds a significant layer of complexity to the already dramatic narrative surrounding Zvenyika’s forgiveness of his wife’s adulterous affair with Leonard Jamanda.
He recounts how Zvenyika sought his help to expose the affair, a decision that ultimately led to the publication of the story and the subsequent national conversation. Munetsi recalls the wife’s reaction: “For you to inform the nation?” she questioned.
The couple’s recent reconciliation, announced on Friday, has sparked intense debate. While Munetsi states, “l would not want to judge why Mosquito took his decision to forgive his wife, it’s their marriage and they can do whatever they want with their union and lives,” the decision has been met with widespread disbelief and criticism, prompting a deeper look into Zvenyika’s past.
This examination reveals a life marked by both extraordinary success and profound personal struggles. Zvenyika, a father of a dozen children, including one conceived when he was only 16, has experienced multiple failed marriages. His 1998 Commonwealth victory transformed his life, bringing fame and wealth. He confided in Munetsi his desire to marry a nurse, influenced by a hero-worshipped boxer who had also married one. This marriage, however, ended tragically.
The details of his past relationships illuminate the context of his recent ordeal. His desire to marry a nurse led to another marriage, but this union ended when his wife left him to marry a doctor. This devastating event triggered a suicide attempt, a harrowing detail previously unknown to the public. Munetsi’s account reveals the depth of Zvenyika’s emotional turmoil.
Further hardship followed with the death of his subsequent wife, leaving him financially devastated. Munetsi recounts securing funds for him from the late Victor Nyaumwe to start a business, only to discover Zvenyika had disappeared for a week after receiving the money. Later, unable to afford funeral arrangements for his deceased wife, he again sought Munetsi’s help, who secured assistance from Philip Chiyangwa. It was in the aftermath of this period of intense personal loss and financial hardship that he married Jesman.
Their wedding, a lavish affair with The Police Band playing, stands in stark contrast to the current situation. The public reaction to the reconciliation has been overwhelmingly negative, with online comments expressing astonishment and anger. Munetsi highlights this, noting the overwhelming negativity in the online comments section.
The affair itself involved Leonard Jamanda, who, according to Munetsi, did not deny the allegations and even taunted Zvenyika. The public response, including criticism from social media influencer Shadaya Knight, has been significant. The anticipated legal battle has been replaced by a reconciliation that many find baffling and unacceptable.
Mutokonya, in her own statement, expressed deep remorse, stating, “What was published in H-Metro was true, I feel sorry for what I did and will not do it again,” and “I want to believe that I was used by the Devil in falling for the temptation.” Her fear led her to flee the family home, leaving her children behind. She describes Zvenyika’s unexpected visit to her parents, begging for her forgiveness, as the start of their reconciliation. She initially suspected a trap but was moved by his genuine remorse.
Zvenyika, in an interview with H-Metro, attributes his decision to a profound spiritual experience, describing a vision and citing the biblical account of the woman caught in adultery. “Akati kana pasina akambotadza ndiye ngaatange kupotsera ibwe vamwe vozopedzisa, pakashaikwa akatanga.”
He acknowledges his own past infidelities and the importance of his marriage vows. He frames the affair as a spiritual battle, vowing that future attempts to seduce his wife will face divine retribution. He also apologized to his in-laws for the public humiliation and reaffirmed his commitment to his family and his role as a mentor to young men.
“I am aware that several men cannot believe this but, with God, everything is possible. Vangani varume vasirikuziva zvirikuitwa nemadzimai avo? Inyasha kuti Mwari vakuratidze,” he stated, acknowledging the scepticism surrounding his actions.
His past suicide attempt, revealed here for the first time, adds another layer of understanding to his recent decisions, highlighting the complex interplay of personal trauma, spiritual beliefs, and public scrutiny in his life.
