Husband forces wife to accept polygamy

A Harare woman has sought a peace order against her husband, accusing him of physical and mental abuse after he attempted to force her into accepting a polygamous marriage. Mercy Kumbirai appeared before the Harare Civil Court, claiming that her husband, Patrick Mashikeni, had subjected her to both emotional and physical violence after she rejected his proposal to marry a second wife.

Kumbirai told the court that Mashikeni frequently assaulted and insulted her, even in front of their children, and pressured her to accept a polygamous relationship. "He is in the habit of assaulting and insulting me in front of the children, humiliating me, forcing me to accept polygamy," Kumbirai testified.

She emphasized her refusal to share her husband with another woman, citing her personal beliefs. "I told him that I cannot accept polygamy because it is against my beliefs. Patrick must stop the behaviour of forcing me to go to bed with him, I am not ready to share a husband with another woman," Kumbirai told the court.

In addition to the alleged abuse, Kumbirai accused her husband of marital rape, claiming that Mashikeni had demanded intimacy despite her objections. However, Mashikeni denied the allegations, asserting that he had paid lobola (bride price) to Kumbirai's parents, and therefore had the right to expect intimacy whenever he desired. "I paid lobola to her parents so there is no need for her to deny me intercourse, I have a right to ask for it whenever I need it," Mashikeni responded.

Kumbirai further demanded that Mashikeni leave their matrimonial home instead of bringing another woman into their shared living space. The case has raised concerns over issues of marital rights, polygamy, and domestic violence, highlighting the ongoing challenges women face in abusive relationships.

The court is expected to rule on the peace order request, which would prevent Mashikeni from further harassing his wife and forcing her into a polygamous marriage.