News / National
Deputy Minister dragged into high-profile divorce battle
2 hrs ago |
64 Views
Davis Marapira, the Deputy Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Water Resources Development, has been drawn into a high-profile divorce dispute after his wife, Sibusisiwe Melody Marapira, approached the High Court seeking dissolution of their marriage.
The case, filed under case number HCHF1618/26, alleges that the marriage between the couple, which was solemnised in Masvingo on September 7, 2013, has "irretrievably broken down" after nearly 13 years.
Court documents show that Sibusisiwe, the daughter of prominent Zion Christian Church leader Bishop Mutendi, is being represented by Danana Mharapara Attorneys.
In her founding affidavit, she alleges that the marriage was characterised by "dehumanising, abusive and cruel treatment," including physical, emotional and financial abuse. She further claims that Marapira issued death threats against her.
She also alleges persistent infidelity, stating that the deputy minister maintained relationships with several women and allegedly entered into a customary marriage with another partner during the subsistence of their union.
The couple has three children, two of whom are still minors, and Sibusisiwe is seeking sole custody on the grounds of their best interests.
She is also requesting maintenance of US$500 per child per month, as well as full coverage of school fees, uniforms, tertiary education costs, medical expenses and medical aid, in addition to an annual regional or international holiday for the children.
The divorce papers also bring the couple's assets into focus, including multiple properties and luxury vehicles. Sibusisiwe is seeking a 50/50 division of several assets, including the Borrowdale home at 589 Campbell Road and a 426-hectare farm in Masvingo.
Other contested assets include stands in Masvingo and Beatrice, government-allocated property rights, a dairy operation at Lamotte Farm, as well as vehicles including a Land Rover Defender, Toyota Land Cruiser, Ford Ranger and Nissan Navara.
Farm equipment such as tractors, centre pivots and a milking machine are also listed in the claim.
The summons was issued on April 17, 2026 and served by the Sheriff of Zimbabwe on May 18, 2026. Marapira has 10 days to indicate whether he intends to oppose the proceedings or the proposed division of assets.
Sibusisiwe, who is reportedly employed, is not seeking spousal maintenance for herself.
The case, filed under case number HCHF1618/26, alleges that the marriage between the couple, which was solemnised in Masvingo on September 7, 2013, has "irretrievably broken down" after nearly 13 years.
Court documents show that Sibusisiwe, the daughter of prominent Zion Christian Church leader Bishop Mutendi, is being represented by Danana Mharapara Attorneys.
In her founding affidavit, she alleges that the marriage was characterised by "dehumanising, abusive and cruel treatment," including physical, emotional and financial abuse. She further claims that Marapira issued death threats against her.
She also alleges persistent infidelity, stating that the deputy minister maintained relationships with several women and allegedly entered into a customary marriage with another partner during the subsistence of their union.
The couple has three children, two of whom are still minors, and Sibusisiwe is seeking sole custody on the grounds of their best interests.
The divorce papers also bring the couple's assets into focus, including multiple properties and luxury vehicles. Sibusisiwe is seeking a 50/50 division of several assets, including the Borrowdale home at 589 Campbell Road and a 426-hectare farm in Masvingo.
Other contested assets include stands in Masvingo and Beatrice, government-allocated property rights, a dairy operation at Lamotte Farm, as well as vehicles including a Land Rover Defender, Toyota Land Cruiser, Ford Ranger and Nissan Navara.
Farm equipment such as tractors, centre pivots and a milking machine are also listed in the claim.
The summons was issued on April 17, 2026 and served by the Sheriff of Zimbabwe on May 18, 2026. Marapira has 10 days to indicate whether he intends to oppose the proceedings or the proposed division of assets.
Sibusisiwe, who is reportedly employed, is not seeking spousal maintenance for herself.
Source - newsday
Join the discussion
Loading comments…
