Tsungai Makumbe, a Member of Parliament representing ZANU PF, has initiated legal proceedings against his former partner, Ludia Makuvure, citing defamation and alleged threats, as reported by NewsDay.
During proceedings before Magistrate Johanna Mukwesha, it was disclosed that the relationship between Tsungai Makumbe and Makuvure soured when the Mazowe North legislator requested a paternity test for their minor child.
Makumbe pursued a protection order against Makuvure, alleging harassment at his workplace in the ZANU PF headquarters. Additionally, he accused her of spreading damaging information about him during visits to Parliament.
Furthermore, Makumbe sought to bar Makuvure from contacting members of his church, Johane Masowe Chishanu in Marimba, where he holds a leadership position. He claimed that Makuvure fabricated rumors of his involvement with other church members, tarnishing his reputation.
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In court, Makumbe argued that Makuvure had no legitimate reason to frequent the ZANU PF headquarters, as she was not employed there nor conducted any official business on the premises. Her association with the party was solely as a member.
Makuvure countered Makumbe’s claims, accusing him of spreading falsehoods. She alleged that Makumbe had infected her with HIV and subsequently demanded a paternity test for their child.
Asserting her ties to Forever Associate Zimbabwe, an organization linked to ZANU PF, Makuvure maintained her right to be present at the party headquarters for meetings.
While she did not object to the paternity test, Makuvure requested that the court order Makumbe to provide maintenance for their child.
Magistrate Mukwesha granted Makumbe’s application for a protection order against Makuvure.
Paternity disputes are not uncommon in Zimbabwean legal proceedings related to child maintenance, often necessitating DNA testing to establish biological parentage, despite the associated costs.
