This woman married me for convenience, businessman tells court

A KENYAN man, who entered into a marriage of convenience with a Harare woman yesterday wept in court claiming his wife was too greedy.

The couple exchanged harsh words before civil court magistrate Mr Milton Serima. Constance Tapfumaneyi had brought her estranged husband James Wandirori, who chased her away from their matrimonial home, for a protection order.

The couple solemnised their marriage under Chapter 5:11 of the Marriages Act in 2006.

Tapfumaneyi told the court that Wandirori is not contributing anything to the upkeep of three children he sired with her.

"This man used me. He married me so that I could help him open businesses in the country.

"He later sired three kids with me and now that he has a bottle store and lodgings, he is chasing me out of the matrimonial home.

"I only realised now that he is married to another woman in Kenya and has two more kids," she said.

Tapfumaneyi added that Wandirori's maintenance arrears had accumulated to US$10 000.

Wandirori, who was in tears, asked his wife why she was being so greedy.

"Your Worship, this woman is the one who married me for convenience," said Wandirori tearfully.

"I came into this country in 2003 and my life was well until I married this woman in 2006. She has taken everything from me and says I should go back to my country. I have since started divorce proceedings."

Mr Serima asked Tapfumaneyi if her husband understood Shona.

The two were exchanging harsh words in Shona.

Wandirori had the gallery in laughter after he said, "Your Worship, this woman taught me the wrong Shona."

"This is the reason why our marriage law has changed," Mr Serima said.

Mr Serima granted a reciprocal protection order and ordered Wandirori to find alternative accommodation for their children by Friday this week.

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