Drama as women brawl outside court

By Mercy Muchenje

There was drama at the Harare civil court main entrance this week when two women exchanged blows, attracting the attention of passers-by.

The man at the centre of the brawl –Peter Mukuzunga-had brought his former wife Juliana Kativhu to court alleging that she misused the US$90 maintenance fees he was paying with her new unemployed husband.

Peter’s new wife, only identified as Mai Bee, was waiting outside by the gate.

“She lied to me that the child was learning at Mutoko Centre but I made a thorough research and discovered that my child stayed with her old parents in their rural home in Mutoko.

“My child is going to school without shoes, uniform and stationary and I wonder how my ex-wife has used all the money for two months maintenance.

“I understand she is supporting her jobless husband in Epworth with my money, Your Worship,” Peter told the court.

Juliana could not stomach the allegations and argued that she was not yet married but Peter was feeling the heat for the two months he had been paying money for child support.

“He planned this with his new wife to get rid of the maintenance order which he was given two months ago. I cannot stand my child living like a prisoner with the step mother while I am alive, Your Worship,” Juliana pleaded.

Magistrate Gamuchirayi Siwardi, who presided over the case, advised Juliana to bring evidence of the school where her child is learning. This did not go well with Peter’s ex-wife because she was expecting the maintenance order to be reversed.

“Please spare my husband from paying maintenance. We ran out of budget because of that order and I hate you for that,” Mai Bee said.

Juliana could not stand being insulted by Mai Bee and pounced on her.

She bled profusely from the nose while the baby that was strapped on her back fell to the ground during the fracas.

The altercation ended with the three being arrested. H Metro