Zimbabwean woman with 3 husbands sues 1 for neglect

A Warren Park woman in a rare polyandrous marriage has taken one of her three husbands to court, accusing him of neglecting his responsibilities, financial abuse, and causing emotional distress to their household.

Ms Sekai Makanya appeared before magistrate Johanna Mukwesha at the Harare Civil Court seeking legal intervention against Mr Tapera Mapfumo, the father of her child and one of the three men she is married to.

Makanya told the court that Mapfumo had failed to support their child and contribute meaningfully to the household. She also alleged he had become verbally abusive and physically confrontational whenever she raised concerns about his lack of commitment.

"My husband is failing to provide as a man, and when I ask him, he becomes violent," she said. "We have one child together, and he does not even pay school fees. He expects me to do all his duties."

Makanya further accused Mapfumo of humiliating her at work by accusing her of theft in front of her colleagues and falsely claiming that some stolen goods were hidden at his house.

She said efforts to resolve the matter amicably through mediation and consultations with his relatives had failed, prompting her to seek a protection order.

The court also heard that the tension between Makanya's multiple partners has intensified due to Mr Mapfumo's refusal to shoulder his fair share of responsibilities in the unique household arrangement.

Makanya argued that her other husbands should not be expected to support the child she shares with Mapfumo, especially when he is still alive and had willingly entered into the polyandrous setup.

"I cannot ask my other husbands to take care of his child. He accepted this marriage, gave me a child, and must act like a responsible father," she added.

In response, Mr Mapfumo denied the allegations and claimed he was being unfairly targeted and mistreated within the household.

"Makanya is married to three men, and she should not expect me to provide everything," he said. "She likes men too much. I'm living like a servant in that house, and she once threw my belongings outside even though I'm the one who bought them."

He claimed that he does support his child and accused Makanya of physically assaulting him in public and using emotional manipulation to control the household.

Despite their conflicting narratives, Mr Mapfumo expressed a willingness to pursue counselling to resolve their issues, although he firmly denied the claims of neglect and abuse made against him.

The magistrate reserved judgment on the matter, pending further submissions from both parties. The case has drawn attention for its unusual context, highlighting the complexities and legal gray areas surrounding polyandrous relationships in Zimbabwe, where such unions are neither culturally accepted nor legally recognised.