The pre-trial conference for the divorce case between the Commander of the Zimbabwe Defence Forces, General Constantine Chiwenga, and his estranged wife Jocelyn proceeded yesterday, but could not be referred to trial after the latter objected to the divorce.
Report by Everson Mushava
Yesterday’s pre-trial, unlike the one held last Monday, was conducted in the absence of Chiwenga, who is reportedly out of the country, and High Court judge Justice Chinembiri Bhunu postponed the matter to October 29.
NewsDay saw Chiwenga’s lawyers Thakor Kewada and Advocate Richard Fitches coming out of the High Court followed by a happy-looking Jocelyn chatting with her lawyers Advocate Thabani Mpofu and Susan Brighton.
The divorce case had been going on under wraps after High Court judge Justice Ben Hlatshwayo granted and confirmed a provisional gag order against the media last year, which order has, however been appealed against and subsequently suspended.
The matter will now be held in an open court if it proceeds to a trial. NewsDay is reliably informed that Chiwenga wants a divorce which Jocelyn is objecting.
Chiwenga married Jocelyn in November 1998 before the army boss settled for Mary Mubaiwa, a former supermodel and ex-wife of former Zimbabwe national soccer team player Shingi Kawondera last year.
- 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
However, Jocelyn claims she is still married to Chiwenga because she has not signed divorce papers.
Jocelyn approached the High Court accusing her husband of bigamy after he had a traditional marriage with Mubaiwa while the two were still legally married.
She was demanding $40 million from Chiwenga’s new spouse as damages for allegedly offending her feelings and cohabitating with her husband after he ditched her.
Known for threatening to assault MDC-T leader Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai and a journalist in 2007 at a shopping mall in Harare accusing the Premier of selling out, the combative Jocelyn also spilled the beans on the alleged abusive treatment she was subjected to by Chiwenga before they separated.
