A disturbing case of alleged spousal abuse has come to light in Harare, Zimbabwe, where a woman, Joyce Garikayi, has accused her husband, Jack Mukandwe, of inflicting severe physical and emotional distress upon her. During a hearing at the Harare Civil Court, Mrs Garikayi sought a protection order against her husband, detailing a pattern of abusive behaviour that included the use of chillies during sexual activity.
Mrs Garikayi testified that Mr Mukandwe’s practice of incorporating chillies into their intimate encounters had resulted in persistent itching and significant discomfort.
“My privates are now reacting and always itching as a result of the chilli my husband uses in what he claims is a way to spice up our sex encounters,” she told the court. She further alleged that her refusals to participate in these acts were met with insults, with Mr Mukandwe suggesting that “my father’s goblins are the ones sleeping with me.”
Mr Mukandwe, also Zimbabwean, admitted to the chilli use, stating that he had adopted the practice after discussing it with friends. Beyond the unusual sexual practices, Mrs Garikayi also described instances of physical and emotional abuse, including assaults with an electricity cable and verbal abuse in front of their children.
She also claimed that Mr Mukandwe would remove asbestos from their roof when he felt provoked, creating a potentially hazardous environment. Fearing for her safety, Mrs Garikayi relocated to her parents’ home, but alleges that Mr Mukandwe continued to stalk and harass her.
While Mr Mukandwe apologised for his actions, attributing them to a “short temper,” and expressed a desire for reconciliation, Mrs Garikayi remained focused on her safety. Magistrate Meenal Naratom granted the protection order, underscoring the severity of the abuse Mrs Garikayi had experienced and the importance of protecting her from further harm within Zimbabwe.
