Zvishavane Woman Fined $5 000 For Marrying Two Men
A Zvishavane woman has been arrested for allegedly marrying another man while her marriage to her first husband was still in force.
Moreblessing Maridza (41) of Platinum Park in Zvishavane appeared before the local magistrate, Archie Wochionga facing bigamy charges last week and was convicted on her own plea of guilty.
She was sentenced to six months in prison, however, three months were suspended on condition that she pays a fine of $5 000.
The other three months were suspended on condition on she does not commit a similar offence in the next five years.
Maridza told the court that her first husband, James Chivandire is mentally challenged and has failed to be intimate with her for the past 12 years.
The court heard that Maridza and Chivandire wedded under Chapter 5.11 of the Marriage Act which prohibits a man or a woman from marrying more than one spouse.
In 2012 Maridza went on to marry a second husband, David Mhuru and wedded him under the same Marriage Act and the two started living together.
The matter only came to light in September when an officer at the Registrar-General’s office observed that Maridza had two valid marriage certificates.
The State proved that Maridza married and wedded Mhuru while fully aware that she was legally married to Chivandire under Marriage Act Chapter 5.11.
