A woman from Gokwe, Zimbabwe, has taken her husband before a traditional court, accusing him of neglecting their intimate life and saying she can no longer endure the situation.
Irene Chipatu told the traditional court that her marriage has been troubled despite the couple having seven children together. According to her, their relationship has become strained because they have not been intimate for nearly a year. Chipatu claimed her husband struggles with erectile problems, which she said has affected their marital life.
During the court session on Sunday, March 8, she said her husband had previously received treatment from a traditional healer who prepared herbal medicine to improve his condition. According to her, the treatment once helped the couple maintain a healthy relationship and eventually have seven children.
However, she told the court that the situation has since worsened. “Chief, the ‘snake’ just lies there like a dead log. It never rises for any occasion. Without medicine, nothing happens,” she said.
Chipatu also alleged that her husband destroys medicines meant to help treat his condition and even damages prayer items that are intended to assist him. She said the situation has left her frustrated and emotionally neglected, adding that she fears the marriage could collapse if nothing changes.
The matter has now been referred to Chief Chireya, who is expected to mediate and guide the couple toward a possible resolution. The couple has been instructed to return to the traditional court in two weeks.
Traditional leaders at the hearing also advised members of the community to communicate openly about s3x-related challenges in marriage and to seek medical or traditional help early in order to prevent serious marital conflicts.