A funeral in Samaringa Village, Mutasa, has been overshadowed by a tragic incident involving adultery, death, and a bitter dispute now before Chief Mutasa’s community court. The case centres around Constant Mapanga, whose wife, Itayi Mahidhu, allegedly took her own life after he discovered her in a compromising situation with his nephew, Artwell Samaringa.
The incident unfolded during a relative’s funeral, just 100 metres from the home of the deceased. Mapanga, recounting the events, explained: “A relative had passed away, and we were all at the funeral. I told my wife I would spend the night there, and she said she would stay home. But something didn’t feel right, and I decided to go home to check on her later that night. To my shock, I found my wife and my nephew together in my kitchen.”
Enraged by the discovery, Mapanga seized Samaringa’s clothing, forcing him to flee the scene naked.
“I was too angry to question my wife, so I just stood there, seething with anger, unsure of what to do. I decided to calm down and deal with the situation the following morning. However, when I woke up, my wife had disappeared. We searched for her and tragically discovered that she had taken poison, and died in a nearby bush. I believe she was overwhelmed by shame and could not face the consequences,” Mapanga recounted.
Adding to Mapanga’s grief, Samaringa allegedly began spreading rumours that the children Mapanga had with his late wife were actually his.
Mapanga stated: “The situation was made more unbearable by Samaringa’s claims that my children are mine. With my wife gone, I am left with no one to turn to for answers. I would have considered an out-of-court settlement, but his claims about my children and his boasts to the entire village are revolting.”
Samaringa admitted to being caught in the act but denied responsibility for Mahidhu’s death. “I was caught in the act, but I did not cause her death. That was her decision, not mine,” he stated, further denying claims of paternity, calling them “blatant lies.”
He expressed remorse for his actions, stating: “I disrespected my uncle by sleeping with his wife, and I regret it.”
He also revealed that the night of the incident marked his first intimate encounter with Mahidhu: “The relationship had just begun. That night was our first time together.”
He further requested the return of his clothes, confiscated by Mapanga.
The matter escalated when Mapanga demanded US$6 000 in compensation from Samaringa for the affair and his wife’s death. Samaringa’s refusal to pay led to the current legal proceedings.
Samaringa explained his refusal: “He asked me to pay US$6 000 as if I was marrying his dead wife and I refused. That is why we are here today, not all these allegations he is making about the children. He even introduced me to his in-laws as their new son-in-law, and they are also demanding money from me. I cannot pay such an amount. When the police released me after questioning, I went home because I did not cause her death.”
Chief Mutasa, presiding over the case, expressed his disappointment with Samaringa’s actions.
“Your actions show a complete disregard for family values and the sanctity of marriage. Sleeping with your uncle’s wife was an abomination. Doing so in the family kitchen, a place of nourishment and tradition, adds to the disgrace,” Chief Mutasa stated.
The chief ordered Samaringa to pay compensation in the form of five beasts by 30 March: one for disrespecting his uncle’s family; one for defiling the kitchen; two for the illicit affair; and one for failing to prevent harm. He also ordered DNA tests to determine the paternity of Mapanga’s children.
Chief Mutasa’s strong rebuke of Samaringa continued: “These revelations are stunning. Your actions were extremely disrespectful. Why not marry your own wife or find a single woman to start a relationship with if you don’t want to get married?
“What you did is shocking. This scandal unfolded during a funeral, a time meant for mourning and unity. We all sympathise with Mapanga because your actions were very wrong, and now you are claiming his children. You committed culpable homicide and should be held accountable, not roaming free.”
The matter was adjourned to allow Chief Mutasa to consult the police regarding Samaringa’s release after only a day in detention.
