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An 18-year-old woman from Zimunya, Mutare, is at the center of a customary court case because she has two husbands, which is not permitted under both customary and national law.
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Parties Involved:
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The woman: Tanatswa Muhomba (an orphan).
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First husband: Godfrey Mutsago (35), a “gweja” (informal husband/spouse).
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Second husband: Takudzwa Mahlungu (22), a “hwindi” (bus conductor/tout).
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She lives with her grandmother: Mbuya Ketty Musikavanhu (66).
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Sequence of Events:
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Muhomba began a relationship with Mutsago in 2024.
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Mutsago paid roora (bride price) of US$1,100 to Muhomba’s family (paid at Shamva).
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Before they could hold a wedding ceremony, Muhomba fled from her grandmother’s home.
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She then started a relationship with Mahlungu.
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Mahlungu also had a relationship with her, reportedly without knowing she already had a husband.
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Woman’s Defense: Muhomba claims she was forced by her grandmother to be with Mutsago and never considered him her real husband.
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Grandmother’s Testimony: Mbuya Musikavanhu confirmed both relationships and stated that, according to custom, the first husband (Mutsago) is the legitimate one.
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Court Ruling (so far):
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The court noted the woman has a “chipari chevarume” (a habit of having multiple men), which is culturally and legally unacceptable.
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The case was postponed to a later date.
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The court called for the in-laws (fathers of the two men) to appear to help identify the true husband.
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The court indicated that once the in-laws appear, a ruling will be made requiring the primary husband to refund his bride price.
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Unresolved Issue: The paternity of the woman’s child (she has one child) is unknown. A paternity test may be required, as it is unclear which of the two men is the father.
