Sangoma sues for maintenance

A traditional healer dragged her husband to the maintenance court claiming spousal and child support.

Vimbai Timburwa claimed $181 from her husband Hubert Timburwa.

Hubert told magistrate Sithembiso Ncube that his wife could not claim such an amount as she made money through healing and cleansing people.

He said his wife was delusional as she once dreamt that he had impregnated a neighbour and took the dream to be fact.

"She had a dream of me impregnating another woman.

"My wife has money but she has never shared a single cent with me. She brews beer and appeases the ancestors. I'm shocked why she has brought me to this court because I provide for my family," he said.

Vimbai told the court that her husband banned her from healing and cleansing people as he would chase away people who would come seeking her assistance.

"I moved out of our matrimonial bedroom five months ago as I feared he will strangle me in my sleep. He has threatened to kill me on many occasions. After nine years of marriage he only bought us clothes at Edgar's last year after he had impregnated a woman who lives close to our home," she said.

Hubert offered $40 for spousal and child support.

Ncube ruled that Hubert should pay $140 for the upkeep of his wife and child.