Sobhuku fined 2 cattle for adultery

A village head in Nyanga has been fined two cattle after being found guilty of adultery by the community court of Chief Saunyama for having a relationship with a widow still regarded as part of her late husband's family.

Sabhuku Mazarura, who serves under Chief Saunyama, was convicted by the chief's court despite having already been fined two cattle by Headman Nyamutowera's community court over the same matter.

Under customary practice in the area, a widow who continues to reside at her late husband's homestead remains a daughter-in-law of that family. In this case, the widow lives under the care of her late husband's relatives, the Chikwiramakomo family, who received the cattle paid as compensation.

The matter was further aggravated by allegations that Mazarura had refused to pay court fees during the initial hearing and had shown disrespect towards his superiors, including the headman and the chief. The court heard that such conduct undermined traditional authority and the need to uphold customary rules within the community.

In his testimony, Mazarura admitted to having been in a relationship with the widow for five months before it was exposed.

"Yes, I was caught red-handed with this woman. The matter was reported to the headman's court," he told the proceedings.

"The relationship had been going on for five months. The woman in question is a widow.

"At the headman's court, Chikwiramakomo was demanding three beasts. I told the court that the fine was excessive, and they reduced it to two, and that was granted.

"I also compensated my wife with a beast for cheating on her.

"The headman further fined me for being intimate in the bush. I disputed that because we never used the bush, but the woman's bedroom.

"Nevertheless, I paid the fine. The court also demanded court fees, but I declined to pay because the headman owes me some money, and I said he should deduct the fine from that.

"It is a fabrication that I insulted the headman and chief."

In delivering judgment, Chief Saunyama upheld the headman's ruling and ordered Mazarura to pay two goats as court fees.

"The woman, despite being a widow, is still a daughter-in-law where she is married," the chief said.

"Sabhuku Mazarura committed adultery, and it is an embarrassment that a person holding such a position appears before this court as an accused person.

"You lose respect from the community you lead. You should lead by example and respect other people.

"Adultery is a serious case which can cause dangerous repercussions."

The chief said traditional leaders were expected to uphold moral standards and serve as role models within their communities, warning that failure to do so erodes confidence in customary governance structures.