A Harare woman, Melocia Gwata, has petitioned the Harare Civil Court for legal protection against her husband, George Kusotera, citing excessive demands for intimacy and repeated physical abuse. During proceedings before Magistrate Judith Taruvinga, Melocia alleged that her husband coerced her into having intercourse up to eight times per night and would become violent whenever she refused. She said the abuse, which sometimes occurred in front of their children, has severely affected her physical and mental health, with George reportedly threatening divorce if she continued to resist his advances.
In his response, George Kusotera admitted to his actions, apologising for making his wife uncomfortable and attributing his behaviour to his love for her. “I didn’t realise I was making her uncomfortable. I apologise and promise not to physically abuse her anymore,” he told the court. The case highlights ongoing concerns over domestic abuse and the pressures faced by victims in Zimbabwe seeking legal intervention.