A Harare woman, Edina Mushonga is seeking legal protection after enduring years of emotional abuse from her husband.
She took her husband, Given Chamura, to the Harare Civil Court, Zimbabwe, alleging that he repeatedly burnt her clothes and destroyed her phones over suspicions of infidelity.
During the court hearing, Edina detailed her ordeal, explaining how Given would burn her clothes and destroy her mobile phones, accusing her of being unfaithful.
“He tears my clothes, saying I am sleeping around. Sometimes he burns my favourite dresses and skirts, saying they are too revealing. He is in the habit of destroying my phones, claiming that I will talk to other men,” she told the court. She further stated that this behaviour had persisted for several years, leaving her emotionally drained.
In response, Given admitted to burning his wife’s clothes and breaking her phones but justified his actions, claiming he was only trying to protect her from attracting unwanted attention. “I was trying to protect her. My fear is that she will bring shame to my family,” he said.
Presiding over the case, Magistrate Meenal Naratom ruled that Given’s actions were unacceptable and violated his wife’s rights. The court granted Edina a protection order and ordered Given to undergo counselling.
