Man threatens to hire gang of rapists for wife

A Harare man is in the habit of threatening to hire a gang to rape and kill his wife each time the couple is involved in a domestic dispute, the civil court heard this week.

The shocking revelations were made by Sekai Mazodze, who approached the court seeking a protection order against her husband, Otineal Mazodze, whom she accused of making her life hell.

Sekai told magistrate Marehwanazvo Gofa, that her husband was always beating her up and threatening to hire thugs to rape and kill her.

"I am living in fear because my husband is always threatening to hire and assign people to rape and kill me," Sekai said.

The woman also told the court her husband had since hidden most of her undergarments and their children's birth certificates.

In response, Mazodze vehemently denied the claims by openly declaring his love for his wife.

"She is lying. I love her so much I cannot do that. I even saved her from arrest in South Africa where we are based," he said.

After listening to both parties, the magistrate ruled in the woman's favour and granted the order which will be effective for five years.

Meanwhile, in a different matter, a Harare woman Cecilia Katambura pleaded with the same court to grant her a protection order against her sister-in-law from a previous marriage.

Katambura told the court that Lucy Makumo, was in the habit of forcing her (Katambura) three-year-old daughter to clean the toilet basin with bare hands.

She said Makumo was also in the habit of insulting her by calling her a witch and a prostitute.

The magistrate granted the protection order and barred Makumo from insulting and harassing Katambura for the next five years.