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Prosper Dembedza Court Reporter
An abusive man tried to stab his wife with a knife while she was sleeping after she won a maintenance order against him, the Harare Civil Court heard yesterday. Patience Muteme claimed Brian Makoto was in the habit of verbally and physically abusing her over the same issue. Muteme was seeking a protection order against Makoto, whom she was accusing of breaching her peace.

“He started being violent towards me from the day I won a maintenance claim against him since he was not contributing anything towards the upkeep of our children,” she said.

Muteme told magistrate Mrs Barbra Masinire that Makoto was in the habit of accusing her of having extra-marital affairs because she took a bath every evening.

“At one point he tried to stab me with a knife while I was sleeping, accusing me of taking him to the maintenance court,” she said.

“I am now living in fear because he is always threatening to kill me over petty issues.”

Muteme said Makoto once told her that he was going kill to her and their children and commit suicide afterwards.

“I want the court to protect me against this violent man because I no longer have peace in my life because of him,” said Muteme.

Makoto failed to show up at the court.

Mrs Masinire granted the order in default, which barred Makoto from verbally and or physically abusing Muteme.

She also ordered Makoto to keep peace towards Muteme at all times.