A man in Harare has sought legal protection from his wife, alleging she contaminated his food with urine and engaged in harmful rituals that affected his health and wellbeing.

 

Artwell Matemera petitioned the court for a protection order against his wife, Winny Johannes, claiming he found multiple bottles containing suspicious substances hidden in their wardrobe. He told the court these discoveries came after he began experiencing physical changes, including sexual dysfunction, which he believes are linked to his wife’s alleged practices.

 

“After confronting her about the urine in my food, she became violent,” Matemera told the magistrate.

 

In response, Johannes denied the allegations, insisting the bottles contained herbal mixtures for her work as a traditional healer. She also levelled her own accusations, claiming Matemera had been unfaithful and engaged in strange behaviour, including allegedly stealing her undergarments for use by other women.

 

“He steals my undergarments to give to his mistresses,” Johannes told the court.

 

The couple’s dispute has reportedly turned violent, with Matemera presenting knife wounds as evidence of alleged domestic abuse. Each side also accused the other of sexual misconduct, with Johannes claiming abandonment during her pregnancy with twins, while Matemera alleged deliberate sabotage of their intimacy.

 

Presiding Magistrate Meenal Narotam granted a temporary protection order for Matemera but noted that the couple’s situation extended beyond the courtroom. “This situation requires counseling,” the magistrate said, urging both parties to seek professional help.