By A Correspondent
In a bold move, Elson Manzini from Sihlengeni, Bulawayo, has sought and obtained a court protection order against his estranged wife, Thembelihle Moyo, citing threats to his life and physical abuse.
Manzini alleged that Moyo threatened to kill him by setting their bedroom hut ablaze while he slept, prompting him to flee their home in fear. He also recounted numerous incidents of verbal and physical abuse, including confrontations at his workplace, where Moyo would accuse him of neglecting their children, assault him, and hurl insults.
“Your worship, I have suffered enough at the hands of this woman,” Manzini told the court. “As a taxi driver, she comes to my workplace, causing scenes and threatening my life in front of others.”
Manzini further revealed that Moyo had taken all their property and emptied their home. He also discovered her in bed with another man at her family home, which heightened his concerns for his safety.
Moyo admitted to issuing death threats, citing anger over Manzini’s alleged failure to provide financial support for their children. She also expressed her desire to return to their matrimonial home, which she claimed was built by her.
However, Manzini expressed reservations, stating, “I want to engage my in-laws first before she comes. And I’m afraid she would kill me.”
Presiding magistrate Challenge Mahembe granted Manzini the protection order, prohibiting Moyo from:
- Physically and verbally abusing Manzini
- Issuing death threats
- Returning to their matrimonial home without permission
The order is valid for five years.
Manzini’s courage in seeking protection highlights the often-overlooked issue of male victims of domestic abuse and the importance of seeking help.