Pastor-cum-businessman in messy divorce

A LOCAL businessman who is also a trainee pastor is embroiled in a messy divorce wrangle with his wife who is accusing him of deserting his family to stay with a "small house."

The businessman, Godfrey Muteyo's wife Hugenia had since filed for divorce at the Bulawayo High Court claiming her 16-year marriage to the businessman had irretrievably broken down to such an extent that it cannot be restored because of his abusive behaviour.

The two were married in terms of the Marriage Act Chapter 5:11 on 30 October 1998.

In her summons, she stated that her husband was also economically abusing her by not providing material support for the upkeep of their four minor children.

Muteyo who seemed to be no stranger to controversy was once arrested on 21 September 2012 after brutally assaulting his wife with fists all over her body before he poked her with the butt of his spear which he kept on the side of the bed.

For the offence he pleaded not guilty but was convicted and sentenced to 10 months imprisonment before four months of the sentence were suspended for five years on condition of good behaviour. A remainder of six months was left effective.

He however, appealed against the sentence and was given an option of paying a fine of $200.

In passing sentence the magistrate said: "In all fairness given that the accused is a body builder and his size confirm that and given also the way he physically abused his wife a deterrent sentence was called for to deter the accused and the like-minded"

"The marriage relationship between the parties has irretrievably broken down to such an extent that marriage cannot be restored to a normal one on account of the following factors, defendant deserts the family for an extended period and goes to live with another woman that he now has a child with, which conduct plaintiff finds inconsistent with a normal marriage relationship.

"Defendant does not provide material support for plaintiff and their minor children leaving the responsibility solely on plaintiff. Defendant is also physically abusive and as a result plaintiff has lost all the love and affection she once had for the defendant," reads part of the summons.

The plaintiff argued it will be in her interest that the custody of the children be awarded to her with the defendant contributing $70 per month per child until they severally attain the majority age or become self supportive whichever occurs sooner.

"It would be just and equitable for the matrimonial property to be shared while the home to be sold and proceeds shared equally between the parties when their children all attains the majority age," cites the plaintiff.