A domestic conflict between two women in a polygamous marriage has escalated into a legal battle.
Gracious Matisi has taken her co-wife, Brenda Matondo, to court, alleging verbal and emotional abus3.
The case was heard by Harare Magistrate Meenal Narotam, who granted a peace order restricting Matondo’s behavior toward Matisi.
In court, Matisi claimed she was being threatened and victimized due to her receiving more attention from their shared husband.
“Matondo has been sending me threatening text messages, even stating she would kill my child because I spend more time with our husband,” Matisi testified. “I retaliated with insults, which led to a physical confrontation where she attacked me and ripped my clothes and those of my child.”
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Matisi further asserted that Matondo was envious of the affection she received from their husband.
“I am the first wife, but he has been spending more time with Matisi, taking her out and showering her with gifts,” Matondo admitted in court. “I felt heartbroken, to the point where I threatened to harm her children, believing my husband has lost interest in me because of her.”
During the hearing, Magistrate Narotam called upon their husband to testify, and he shared that he, too, was facing difficulties navigating his relationships with both wives. “I care for them both, and I never imagined it would escalate to this level,” he stated.
Magistrate Narotam ordered Matondo to cease all threats of violence towards Matisi and her children, urging both women to maintain peace.
