'I once caught her in bed with a man in front of our daughter,' man tells court

Published: 2013 December 17 20:14:04 (5742 Views)

"I can only imagine what your patients go through daily and I think some have died due to your harshness," these were the only words that Magistrate Victor Mpofu could say to two nurses who almost came to blows in court.

The two United Bulawayo Hospitals (UBH) employees could hardly control themselves as they treated the Maintenance Court to a war of words.

Sakhile Dube had dragged her estranged husband Shepherd Mativenga to court claiming $160 for the upkeep of their minor child.

"Your honour I cannot afford that amount and this woman is immoral as I once caught her in bed with a man in front of our daughter. She has more that three times told me that I might be taking care of a child that is not mine and I am starting to doubt if I am the father to the baby.

"At one time she came home at around 11pm and could not explain where she was coming from. Her behaviour forced me into drinking beer and smoking as a way of dealing with her mischief. I can only pay $50," he said.

Before he could barley finish the sentences Dube interrupted and reminded Mativenga that he was abusive and that he had chucked her out of their home in Paddonhurst.

"Shephered you are abusive and there is no way you could have expected me to live with you. You chucked me from your house you should start contributing towards the upkeep of your child," she said.

He turned and poked her saying she was the reason he was owing a lot of money as he had taken loans to perform traditional rites.

"You provoked me to jealousy Sakhile and from nowhere you denied me access to your mobile phone and you put a security code on it. You left with some of my property and am still failing to clear the debt I have as I used the money during our visit to your rural home," he shouted.

Magistrate Mpofu folded his hands and let the couple's altercation go on for some minutes before he made his ruling. On questioning the two on how to map a way forward, he was disrupted by Mativenga who accused Dube of sending wrong messages to their child.

"You are a bad woman and I do not like the way you expose my child to your behaviour. What will she learn from you if you have guts to bring your boyfriends into your bedroom in her presence? Dube was quick to interject and reminded Mativenga that it was permissible to have a boyfriend.

"I am an adult and am also allowed to have a boyfriend. You are not even paying for my rent thus you cannot dictate what happens in that house. There is no need for you to falsely accuse me of wrong doing, just pay for your child welfare," said Dube.

After a series of arguments Mpofu ordered the two to stop shouting and listen to him.

"I doubt if you two treat patients gently since you have the audacity to display such immaturity in this court of law. Since both of you are employed, Mativenga will pay $80 monthly for the upkeep of the child," said Mpofu.

- Zim Metro

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