A Harare resident, who previously caused his wife immense emotional distress by fathering a child with another woman, has now further betrayed her trust.
Elliot Maruye admitted to taking US$210 from his wife, Sirena Mutisi, and selling their refrigerator, television, and solar battery. He stated that he did this to obtain funds for the funeral expenses following the child’s death.
Mutisi brought the matter before the Harare Civil Court seeking a protection order against her husband.
In his defense, Maruye explained his actions by claiming he was in a dire situation and felt he had no other options.
“I was desperate and saw no other way to get the necessary funds for the burial,” Maruye confessed. “The thought of my child not having a dignified burial was unbearable, and I sincerely apologize for my actions. I know what I did was wrong.”
Mutisi testified that Maruye’s behavior had become violent since the death of his child.
“I initially noticed my household items disappearing and simply thought my husband had taken them for repair,” Mutisi recounted.
“I overheard a phone conversation where he mentioned needing to find money for a funeral. The next day, I discovered that my US$210, along with the battery and television, were gone.”
“When I confronted him, he admitted to using the money to pay for the burial of the child he had with another woman,” she added.
Expressing her distress, Mutisi stated, “I feel exploited and deeply betrayed that he would steal my money to bury a child resulting from his infidelity. I am now left without funds and struggling to afford food for the month because my husband prioritized another family over our own.”
Harare magistrate Meenal Narotam granted Mutisi the protection order and cautioned Maruye against further damaging his marriage.
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