HARARE – A Harare woman, Batsirai Musendwa, has accused her husband’s alleged mistress, Praise Munaki, of repeatedly infecting him with sexually transmitted infections (STIs) whenever they enjoy unprotected sex in their seven-year affair.
The accusation came to light after a Valentine’s Eve confrontation in the Harare CBD, leading Praise Munaki to seek a protection order against Batsirai at the Harare Civil Court.
The two women appeared before Harare magistrate Judith Taruvinga yesterday, where the details of the alleged affair and its impact on Batsirai’s marriage were laid bare. Batsirai told the court that Praise has been involved with her husband for seven years, a relationship she claims is the root cause of the problems in her marriage.
“I attacked her because I am tired of my husband’s behaviour,” Batsirai admitted to the court. She further alleged that every time her husband contracts an STI, he unjustly blames her, despite the clear evidence pointing to Praise as the source. “Anonetsa Praise, she has infected my husband with STIs countless times and my husband blames me for it,” Batsirai stated.
Batsirai revealed that she had previously confronted Praise about the affair at her workplace. During that encounter, Praise allegedly claimed she was involved with another co-worker, a claim Batsirai dismissed as a fabrication.
Adding another layer to the complex situation, Batsirai alleged that Praise recently gave birth to a child and has convinced her husband that he is the father. However, Batsirai expressed her belief that the child is not her husband’s, stating, “I am aware that it’s not my husband’s child because she is in the habit of dating married men.”
Praise, on the other hand, painted a picture of being a victim of harassment and violence. She claimed that Batsirai attacked her in the CBD on Thursday, accusing her of dating her husband. “Last Thursday, she saw me in town and attacked me, saying I should stop dating her husband,” Praise told the court.
She further alleged that Batsirai’s actions extended beyond the physical attack, claiming that she has been subjected to threats. “She attacked and harassed me in public,” Praise stated. “She has been threatening to harm me and she finally got the chance to. I fear that she will end up hiring people to kill me.”
In light of the conflicting accounts and the volatile situation, Magistrate Taruvinga granted a reciprocal protection order to both women. This means that both Batsirai and Praise are legally obligated to refrain from harassing, threatening, or engaging in any form of violence against each other.
