Moffat Mungazi
Tendai Gukutikwa
Weekender Reporter
A FUNERAL in Mutasa turned tragic when an adulterous woman allegedly took her own life after her husband caught her in bed with his nephew.
The shocking incident occurred during a relative’s funeral, just about 100 metres from the home of the deceased, Itayi Mahidhu and her husband, Constant Mapanga in Samaringa Village.
The matter was brought before Chief Mutasa’s community court, where Mapanga demanded compensation for the disgrace and loss of his wife from his nephew and his wife’s lover, Artwell Samaringa.
Mapanga recounted the events leading to the tragedy, stating that he returned home during the night of the funeral, and caught his wife and Samaringa in a compromising position.
“A relative had passed away, and we were all at the funeral. I told my wife I would spend the night there, and she said she would stay home. But something didn’t feel right, and I decided to go home to check on her later that night. To my shock, I found my wife and my nephew together in my kitchen,” recounted Mapanga.
Enraged, Mapanga confiscated Samaringa’s clothes, forcing him to flee naked back to the funeral.
“I was too angry to question my wife, so I just stood there, seething with anger, unsure of what to do. I decided to calm down and deal with the situation the following morning. However, when I woke up, my wife had disappeared. We searched for her and tragically discovered that she had taken poison, and died in a nearby bush. I believe she was overwhelmed by shame and could not face the consequences,” said Mapanga.
Mapanga’s anguish deepened when he alleged that Samaringa began spreading claims that the children he had with his late wife were actually his.
“The situation was made more unbearable by Samaringa’s claims that my children are mine. With my wife gone, I am left with no one to turn to for answers. I would have considered an out-of-court settlement, but his claims about my children and his boasts to the entire village are revolting,” he said, adding that investigations later revealed the illicit affair had been ongoing for a long time.
However, Samaringa strongly denied allegations that the affair had been ongoing for a long time.
In his testimony, he claimed that the affair began during the funeral, leading to the unfortunate encounter.
Samaringa admitted being caught in the act, but denied any responsibility for Mahidhu’s tragic decision to take her own life.
In acknowledging his wrongdoing, he said: “I was caught in the act, but I did not cause her death. That was her decision, not mine,” he said, also denying claiming that the children were his, calling the allegations “blatant lies.”
Samaringa expressed remorse for his actions, saying, “I disrespected my uncle by sleeping with his wife, and I regret it.”
Samaranga revealed that the night of the incident was his first intimate encounter with Mahidhu.
“The relationship had just begun. That night was our first time together,” he said, further requesting that Mapanga returns his clothes, which he confiscated.
The court was informed that Mapanga had demanded US$6 000 from Samaringa as compensation for the affair, and his wife’s subsequent death.
Samaringa refused to pay, leading to the current legal proceedings.
“He asked me to pay US$6 000 as if I was marrying his dead wife and I refused. That is why we are here today, not all these allegations he is making about the children. He even introduced me to his in-laws as their new son-in-law, and they are also demanding money from me. I cannot pay such an amount. When the police released me after questioning, I went home because I did not cause her death,” he said.
Chief Mutasa expressed disappointment with Samaringa, and reprimanded him for lack of respect and disgracing his family.
“Your actions show a complete disregard for family values and the sanctity of marriage. Sleeping with your uncle’s wife was an abomination. Doing so in the family kitchen, a place of nourishment and tradition, adds to the disgrace,” said Chief Mutasa.
Chief Mutasa ordered Samaringa to pay compensation in the form of five beasts by March 30.
The compensation breaks down as follows: one beast for disrespecting his uncle’s family, one for defiling the kitchen, two for engaging in an illicit affair with a relative, and one for failing to take necessary precautions to prevent harm.
Chief Mutasa ordered the conducting of DNA tests to determine the paternity of Mapanga’s children and provide clarity on the matter.
He strongly rebuked Samaringa, saying: “These revelations are stunning. Your actions were extremely disrespectful. Why not marry your own wife or find a single woman to start a relationship with if you don’t want to get married?
What you did is shocking. This scandal unfolded during a funeral, a time meant for mourning and unity. We all sympathise with Mapanga because your actions were very wrong, and now you are claiming his children. You committed culpable homicide and should be held accountable, not roaming free,” said Chief Mutasa.
Chief Mutasa adjourned the matter to consult with the police regarding why Samaringa was released after being detained for a day.
