Nyanga – A Nyanga woman is battling for her family’s survival after her husband allegedly fell victim to a mupfuhwira, a love potion, administered by another married woman, leaving her destitute and heartbroken for three years.
Prisca Matimba’s plight came to light last week at Chief Saunyama’s court, where she detailed a harrowing tale of betrayal, violence, and the devastating consequences of a love spell.
Matimba’s husband, whose name is being withheld as he was not present at the court hearing, abandoned his family to live at the bar owned by his alleged lover, Abigirl Mandipa. This shocking revelation followed a brutal confrontation between Matimba and Mandipa, leaving Matimba with severe injuries.
Appearing before the court, Matimba displayed the lasting scars on her face and abdomen, testament to the violent attack. She explained how she sought out her husband at Mandipa’s bar, only to be met with a vicious assault.
“I confronted Mandipa at her bar, demanding an explanation for her living with my husband. My husband was drunk when I arrived, and I subsequently argued with Mandipa. She slashed me with broken bottles. It’s a miracle I survived this brutal attack, and that my child wasn’t hurt. She wanted to kill me. If it weren’t for your assistant (the chief’s messenger) who was present, I would have died,” Matimba recounted.
The ordeal, however, extends beyond the physical wounds. Matimba revealed that her husband’s behaviour has been erratic, seemingly under the influence of the mupfuhwira.
“Sometimes, when he recovers from the spell’s effects, he tells me he needs help, so I have to find someone to help him overcome the love potion Mandipa gave him. He says he loves me, but the love potion bewitches him; it’s powerful,” she explained.
Adding to her distress, Matimba detailed her attempts to seek justice. She reported the assault to the police, resulting in Mandipa’s arrest. However, Mandipa later persuaded Matimba to withdraw the charges, promising to cover her medical expenses – a promise that remains unfulfilled.
“She never paid the money I spent on treatment at the hospital. Instead, she boasts about teaching me a lesson regarding my husband. Now I have permanent scars; I want her to pay my hospital bills,” Matimba stated.
Further compounding her difficulties, Mandipa refused to attend Chief Saunyama’s court, dismissing it as a “kangaroo court.”
“She said she won’t come here because this court is too insignificant compared to her status, which is why she didn’t come,” Matimba reported, revealing Mandipa’s blatant disregard for traditional justice.
The impact on Matimba’s children has been profound. The absence of their father has left a deep void, affecting their well-being.
“I reported this matter to Community Child Care workers because our children are suffering from their father’s absence, but I haven’t received any help yet. She destroyed my family, leaving me struggling with the children. She has been with my husband for three years, and I’m pleading for help. I want my husband back,” she pleaded.
Chief Saunyama, clearly disturbed by Mandipa’s actions and the suffering inflicted upon Matimba and her family, delivered a strong verdict. “This court does not take violence lightly, and her actions, whether at her bar or not, are unacceptable. Matimba must be compensated for the physical and emotional scars she sustained. Fighting is forbidden in my area. Therefore, she must also pay a court fine (a goat),” Chief Saunyama declared.
He further stated that the case would continue, with Matimba’s husband to be summoned to court to explore potential remedies to break the alleged mupfuhwira’s hold on him.
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