29 years no sex

By Gibson Mhaka

It’s for life! But sex stands to break a 52-year-old marriage of an old couple from Mzilikazi suburb in Bulawayo. 

Jairos Jiri Ngorima (87) wants nothing to do with Etta Ngorima (71) his wife of 52 years ever since she refused to have sex with him. Jiri has not had action with his wife for 29 years and cannot take the stress anymore.

The issue came to light when Etta who was seeking a protection order against her husband claimed the latter was contemplating divorcing her as she had allegedly lost her urge for the bedroom game.

She said her husband was also physically and verbally abusing her while accusing her of infidelity and practising witchcraft.

“I am seeking a protection order against my husband of 52 years. This is the third time for me approaching the civil court while seeking a restraining order against him.

“He has been violent against me throughout our marriage. I even lost two front teeth as a result of his abusive behaviour. He is constantly abusing me while calling me a witch and a prostitute.

“He tore my Bible and has made several attempts to sell our house saying he wants to dissolve our marriage as punishment against me for refusing to share the bedroom with him,” complained Etta.

Responding to his wife’s claims, Jairos said she was the one who was constantly abusing him for no apparent reason.

He further told the court that he was “tired” of their marriage as his wife did not care for him.

“How can someone claim she is my wife when we last shared the bedroom 29 years ago?

“Just imagine for the past 29 years we have been sleeping in separate bedrooms. By seeking a protection order against me she is trying to find a way of deserting me and I think it’s even a wise thing for us to dissolve our marriage.

“She is the one who is abusing me and even our grandchildren who we are staying with are afraid of her abusive behaviour. I do not abuse her as she has alleged before this court,” he said.

Presiding magistrate Tawanda Muchemwa however, granted the protection order in favour of Etta compelling Jairos not to verbally and physically abuse or threaten her in any way. The magistrate said if the couple wanted to dissolve their marriage they should approach the appropriate court which deals with divorce cases.

Meanwhile, last Tuesday Jairos lived true to his word that he was no longer wanted anything to do with his wife when he finally filed for divorce at the Bulawayo Customary Court under case number CC21/ 16.

In his papers Jiri stated that there was no love anymore between him and Etta reiterated that their marriage had irretrievably broken down and there were no prospects of a restoration to a normal relationship.

“Our union has irretrievably broken down and there are no prospects of restoration to a normal relationship because the parties have irreconcilable differences which render the continuance of the relationship impossible. The parties have also lost love and affection for each other,” read the papers in part.

Jiri said all their children were now adults and wants to have their property mostly household items to be shared equally.

The property includes a house in Mzilikazi suburb, a four-plate stove, four-piece set of sofas, television set, six chairs and kitchen table, two wardrobes, two double beds, single bed, two coffee tables, home theatre system, two kitchen units, building tools and kitchen utensils.

The matter is set to be heard on 23 March. B Metro