HIGH Court judge Justice Martin Makonese has bemoaned the disintegration of the family unit which has left many families and couples with no platform for settling disputes, leading to an upsurge in crimes of passion.
TINASHE MUNGAZI OWN CORRESPONDENT
Officially opening the first session of the Hwange High Court circuit, Makonese said the breakdown in family referral pathways has often promoted violent crimes, which were being worsened by harsh economic conditions, among both poor people and the rich.
“It is my view that the general disintegration of the family unit coupled with harsh economic conditions has left many families or couples in distress with no platform for settlement of domestic disputes,” he said.
“What is of interest is that these crimes of passion occur among both the rich and poor.”
Makonese called on stakeholders such as traditional leaders, police, civic society and the general public to shun turning a blind eye to families and relationships in distress, but insisted courts would continue imposing stiffer sentences.
The media has been awash with reports of grisly passion murders committed because of misunderstandings arising from love triangles and extramarital affairs.
On Valentines’ Day, a disgruntled security guard gunned down his lover and her sister in Kariba before turning the gun on himself.
- Chamisa under fire over US$120K donation
- Mavhunga puts DeMbare into Chibuku quarterfinals
- Pension funds bet on Cabora Bassa oilfields
- Councils defy govt fire tender directive
Keep Reading
A few days later, a 30-year-old Wedza man committed suicide after axeing his wife to death following allegations of an extramarital affair.
Makonese noted the rise in divorce cases, which was further adding to the disintegration of the family unit, was a result of misunderstandings arising from prevailing economic conditions.
“While I’m still on matters of the family, it is saddening to note that divorce cases continue to increase,” he said.
“It seems that most relationships are being stretched by the prevailing economic conditions.
“I would urge couples to receive adequate counselling before entering into marriage contracts.
“In this regard, the church and traditional leaders have a duty to give moral direction to young couples.”
The Bulawayo High Court processed 474 divorce cases last year and dealt with an average of 10 unopposed cases every week.
A total of 13 murder cases are lined up to be heard during the circuit, including that of Wonder Munsaka from Binga who is alleged to have gruesomely murdered his wife in a domestic dispute before chopping off her head and putting it in a box.
