A businessman in Domboshava, Zimbabwe, is at the centre of a domestic and legal dispute after his fourth wife allegedly stabbed him during a confrontation over alleged infidelity.
Judith Maruta, 33, was detained for two weeks following the incident involving her husband, Kefas Mushore, 50. The dispute has since escalated into a legal battle over maintenance and a compensation claim reportedly amounting to $50,000.
Maruta said the altercation was triggered after discovering her husband’s alleged relationships with her cousin, Tabeth Banda, and a married friend.
“I failed to stomach a situation where my husband was bedding my married friend and sister,” she said, referencing cultural norms in Zimbabwe where cousins are often regarded as siblings.
According to her account, the situation turned physical during an argument, leading her to stab Mushore in the leg. “I failed to stomach a situation where my husband was bedding my married friend and sister.”
She was later fined and ordered to pay restitution for damages, but said her husband subsequently obtained a protection order and is now seeking significant compensation, claiming the injury has affected his mobility.
Banda confirmed the relationship, stating that financial support from Mushore influenced her actions. “Mushore had been assisting me with money behind my sister’s back and I could not reject everything he was assisting me with,” she said.
“I could not disclose his love intentions to my sister because it could have caused more problems.” She added that she acknowledged the relationship when confronted. “After she came to know about it, my sister confronted me angrily and I confirmed dating her husband.”
As the case heads to court before a Domboshava magistrate, Maruta is also seeking increased maintenance for their two children. “I regret the polygamous marriage, it has left me without some of my properties, including two houses and a car,” she said.
She described her current situation as “miserable,” blaming the breakdown of the marriage and its aftermath for her circumstances.