Food mixed with urine divides hubby and wife

A Bindura-based man has approached the Harare Civil Court seeking a protection order against his wife, accusing her of emotionally and physically abusing him - including allegedly mixing his food with urine and storing bottles of it in their wardrobe.

Artwell Matemera told Magistrate Meenal Narotam that his wife, Winny Johannes, has been displaying disturbing behaviour ever since he confronted her over suspected infidelity.

"I work in Bindura and my wife stays here in Harare. We started having problems after I caught her cheating," he said. "She began acting strangely — pouring urine into my food and mixing it with some unknown powder. I found bottles in our wardrobe with what looked like urine and a substance I don't recognise."

Matemera further claimed that the discovery has left him physically and emotionally traumatised.

"Since I made the discovery, my manhood has stopped functioning. I'm scared. I feel like my health and life are in danger," he told the court, holding up a bottle he alleged contained the suspicious substance.

He also accused Johannes of threatening him with a knife during one of their disputes.

"She threatened to stab me and I got cut on my hand trying to defend myself. During sex, she sprinkles some unknown powder on my privates. She's abusive and she's even denying me access to my children," Matemera added.

However, Johannes rejected most of the claims, insisting the bottle in question was part of her traditional herbal medicine stock.

"Yes, the bottle is mine, but it's for storing medicines. I sell herbs," she said.

She accused Matemera of infidelity and disrespect.

"He left me when I was pregnant with twins. Now he's accusing me of things I haven't done because he brings his girlfriends into our home. I've also lost several of my undergarments and I suspect he's giving them to these women," she alleged.

Johannes also claimed her husband had damaged her reputation by spreading falsehoods in their neighbourhood.

"He told people I infected him with STIs, which is not true," she said.

After hearing both parties, Magistrate Narotam advised the couple to consider professional counselling, highlighting the toxic nature of their relationship. The court went on to grant Matemera the protection order.

The case has since sparked widespread discussion on social media, with many expressing shock at the bizarre allegations and urging both parties to seek psychological and marital support.