Cheating headmaster caught, secret engagement cancelled

There was drama in Domboshava on Saturday when villagers looted food following the cancellation of Avenues Education Centre headmaster's secret engagement party.

The cheating Francis Regis Duri, 47, was humiliated when his official wife appeared in the middle of the ceremony leading to the cancellation of the party.

Duri was reportedly head over heels in love with his girlfriend only identified as Cecilia and the two had approached Pastor Raymond Mujeyi of Revival International Ministries to preside over the event.

Following a tip off, Duri's wife Ivy Chitembwe, 42, drove all the way from Mutasa and arrived in time when the pastor was about to call Cecilia and Duri to exchange rings. Guests blamed the pastor for his failure to conduct thorough investigations before the main event.

It took sympathisers to escort Cecilia and Duri from the high table as they were caught unaware.

Other guests took advantage of the disturbances and looted food and this took place at Chinamhora Micro Enterprise Association where Avenues Educational Centre is housed.

"Zvakatinetsa pazvakadaidzirwa tikangoti headmaster was setting a good standard as he claimed that his wife had died. We became suspicious when he used his office to dress up for the event and none of his relatives was present," said one of the guests.

Ivy told our reporters that Duri neglected his family after falling in love with Cecilia.

"I suspect that Cecilia used love portions because my husband is no longer coming to the village home and he has since stopped paying school fees. It pains me after all the hardships that we have gone through together to be where we are today. Cecilia is fooling herself because we are still married. He lost his wedding ring in August while working and I found it last week only to hear that he is planning a wedding with a girlfriend," said Ivy showing her marriage certificate.

Ivy, who was accompanied by her sympathisers, took away the engagement cake and beverages in ire. She also took time to explain to Cecilia's sister how Duri was neglecting his family in the village.

One of Cecilia's sisters said they had not been aware that Duri was married and they had been looking forward to a weding.

"Cecilia told us that Duri is not married and her mother wanted to attend but suddenly changed saying she was smelling a rat. I am a woman and cannot support Cecilia in destroying someone's family and worse off lying before her church leadership ndanyara zvikuru," said the sister who refused to identify herself.

Cecilia sobbed uncontrollably after the development.

"It is very embarrassing my brother and we got suspicious this morning but I could not stop the function at that stage. I am legally married to Ivy but we separated four years ago and I could not divorce her nekuti takachatiswa kuRoman Catholic chimuchato chacho hachidzimike. My wife could have been informed by my brother's son who stays with me here in Domboshava because I received a phone call from one of my children yesterday complaining about the issue. I am still to decide on the way forward, I think you saw everything here," said Duri.

Pastor Mujeyi said he also learnt a lesson and vowed to conduct thorough investigations in the future.

"I have learnt a lesson my brother and I beg you not to publish this story because it will affect our membership," said Pastor Mujeyi.

Duri and Ivy have three children and their wedding took place in Mutare 2007 before a Magistrate and was blessed the same year by a Roman Catholic Church Priest. Cecilia's age could not be confirmed but she has a three year old child from her previous marriage.

When the news crew left the place Duri was holed up in his office with Ivy while Cecilia was being consoled by her relatives.