Businesswoman seeks protection & eviction orders against husband

A prominent Bulawayo businesswoman, Pamela Mwapaura, has taken legal action against her husband, Kwame Mwemba, seeking a protection and eviction order following a series of incidents involving assault and property damage. This move comes after charges of assault against Mwapaura were dropped when her husband withdrew his complaint.

In an affidavit submitted to the court, Mr. Mwemba explained that he decided to withdraw the charges after a family meeting regarding the matter. He stated, "I would not want my wife to go to jail. She is the mother of my three kids, and no one forced me to withdraw the case."

Despite the withdrawal of the assault charges, Mwapaura has now filed an application for protection, claiming that she is not legally or customarily married to Mr. Mwemba. She also asserts that he has never met her parents, further complicating the couple's legal and personal dynamics.

The case was briefly heard by Bulawayo magistrate Mr. Shepherd Munjanja yesterday, with the matter being remanded for continuation today. Mwapaura, who owns the well-known Pamela Creations boutique in Bulawayo, specializes in designing schoolwear and attire for special events such as weddings and lobola parties.

Mwapaura had previously faced allegations of assaulting Mr. Mwemba at their home in the Hopeville suburb of Bulawayo. She was initially charged with physical abuse before the case was withdrawn. However, according to court records, the tensions between the couple had been ongoing for several months.

One of the notable incidents occurred earlier this year in March, when Mwapaura allegedly stalked her husband from Bulawayo's city center to Luveve suburb. During this incident, Mwemba reportedly offered a lift to another woman, which led to a confrontation with Mwapaura. It is alleged that Mwapaura blocked her husband's car, confronted him, and then took his cellphone -  a Samsung foldable worth US$1,000 - before smashing it on the ground.

Later, in November, another altercation took place when Mwapaura allegedly assaulted her husband over a financial dispute. State papers indicate that the disagreement arose after Mr. Mwemba requested a loan from Mwapaura. According to the documents, Mwapaura became hostile, insulted him, and proceeded to punch him several times on his face, head, and back.

As the legal proceedings continue, both parties remain embroiled in a complex and highly publicized dispute. Mwapaura's application for protection and eviction from her husband marks the latest chapter in what appears to be a volatile relationship, raising questions about domestic violence and the legal intricacies surrounding such cases.

The matter will continue to unfold in court, with the next hearing expected to take place today.