Harare, Zimbabwe | A former maid is seeking back pay as compensation for the two years she spent in a relationship with her employer in Harare’s affluent Borrowdale suburb. She claims to be a victim of mjolo exploitation.
Magumise Sherera alleges that her former boss, Samuel Muchenjero, refused to pay her wages for two years, arguing that since she was his wife, she was not entitled to a salary.
Muchenjero has filed for a peace order at the Harare Civil Court, claiming that Sherera has been threatening him with witchcraft over the unpaid wages.
“She has been making threats, saying I owe her two years’ worth of salary, and I am now living in fear. That is why I have sought the court’s protection,” Muchenjero stated.
In response, Sherera contends that her employer manipulated her into a sexual relationship and used that as an excuse to withhold her salary.
“My boss forced me into a relationship and then refused to pay me, insisting that I was his wife. He initially promised to provide a monthly allowance but never followed through. At the time, I accepted it since we were in a relationship,” Sherera explained.
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She claims the affair began just weeks after she started working as a maid in Muchenjero’s home.
“We lived as husband and wife for two years, but he recently ended our relationship and replaced me with another maid,” she added.
Sherera further accused Muchenjero of becoming increasingly controlling and abusive, often denying her proper rest.
“He dictated that I could only sleep when he did, but he would stay awake all night. I suffered a lot under his control, and now I want compensation for everything I endured,” she stated.
After hearing both sides, Magistrate Naratom granted Muchenjero a peace order and advised Sherera to pursue her claim through the small claims court.
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