Man Seeks Protection from Wife in Harare After Accusing Her of Poisoning His Food with Urine and Performing Harmful Rituals
In a disturbing case that has shocked many across Zimbabwe and beyond, a man from Harare has turned to the legal system for protection from his wife, whom he accuses of endangering his health and life through the use of harmful traditional practices. The case, heard in a Harare magistrate’s court, has captured widespread attention due to its serious allegations involving black magic, infidelity, and domestic violence.
Husband Alleges Wife Used Urine in His Food and Engaged in Harmful Rituals
Artwell Matemera, a resident of Harare, made headlines when he filed a formal petition seeking a protection order against his wife, Winny Johannes. According to Matemera, his wife has been engaging in dangerous spiritual practices that have not only affected his health but also threatened his mental and emotional wellbeing.
In a shocking claim presented in court, Matemera accused his wife of contaminating his food with urine—a deeply disturbing allegation that left many stunned. He further explained that he began noticing changes in his body, most notably a decline in his sexual function, which he believes is the direct result of his wife's alleged actions.
“After confronting her about the urine in my food, she became violent,” Matemera told the magistrate, describing how a simple confrontation escalated into aggression and threats.
His claims were supported by the discovery of multiple bottles containing what he described as suspicious substances hidden inside their bedroom wardrobe. Matemera believes these bottles contain ritualistic items or concoctions used by Johannes to manipulate or harm him spiritually and physically.
Wife Denies Allegations and Says She's a Traditional Healer
In her defense, Winny Johannes firmly denied all the allegations brought against her by her husband. She told the court that the bottles in question were not evidence of black magic or any harmful rituals. Instead, she claimed they were simply herbal mixtures used for her work as a traditional healer.
“He steals my undergarments to give to his mistresses,” Johannes told the court, launching her own set of serious accusations against Matemera.
According to her, she has been the victim in the marriage, alleging that her husband has been cheating on her with multiple women and even goes as far as stealing her undergarments to give to his mistresses—possibly for ritualistic or fetish-related purposes.
She also described her husband’s behavior as increasingly strange and secretive, painting a picture of a relationship deeply fractured by mistrust and emotional pain.
Violent Relationship Comes to Light
What makes this case even more troubling is the physical violence that has allegedly taken place between the couple. Matemera showed the court knife wounds, which he claimed were the result of domestic abuse inflicted by his wife. He argued that the marriage had become dangerous and unbearable, citing multiple instances where he felt his life was at risk.
Johannes, on the other hand, brought her own emotional and physical grievances to light. She accused Matemera of abandoning her during a critical time—her pregnancy with twins. She said he not only failed to provide emotional support but also withdrew intimacy altogether, claiming he deliberately sabotaged their sexual relationship.
The courtroom turned tense as both parties exchanged allegations, each painting the other as the source of their marital woes. Infidelity, spiritual manipulation, and physical abuse were central themes in their testimonies, raising serious concerns about the wellbeing of both individuals—and their children, if any.
Court Grants Temporary Protection Order and Recommends Counseling
Presiding Magistrate Meenal Narotam listened carefully to the emotionally charged testimonies before making a decision. Acknowledging the seriousness of the allegations and the need to prevent further harm, the magistrate granted a temporary protection order in favor of Artwell Matemera.
However, Magistrate Narotam also recognized that the issues between the couple were far too complex to be resolved through legal measures alone. In her closing remarks, she emphasized the importance of psychological and emotional healing.
“This situation requires counseling,” the magistrate said, urging both parties to seek professional help in resolving their differences and healing the trauma of their marriage.
Traditional Beliefs vs Modern Legal System
This Harare case brings into sharp focus the often complicated relationship between traditional beliefs and modern legal systems in many African societies, including Zimbabwe and Nigeria. While traditional healing and spiritual practices are a respected part of African culture, allegations of ritual abuse, black magic, and spiritual manipulation are increasingly being brought before the courts.
This reflects a growing trend where individuals, often with nowhere else to turn, seek formal legal protection against what they describe as spiritual or ritualistic attacks within their own households.
In this case, Matemera’s claims that his wife used urine and hidden bottles filled with unknown substances raise troubling questions about how far traditional practices can go before they cross into abuse or even criminal behavior. On the flip side, Johannes’s defense—that she is a traditional healer—highlights the ongoing cultural divide between accepted traditional roles and legal boundaries.
Domestic Violence and Marital Conflict in Zimbabwe and Beyond
The Matemera-Johannes case is a sad example of how domestic conflicts, left unresolved, can spiral into violence and deep mistrust. Domestic abuse—whether physical, emotional, or psychological—is a serious issue in many African homes, often going unreported due to societal pressures, shame, or fear of retaliation.
Both parties in this case claim to be victims. Whether it is Johannes accusing her husband of infidelity and theft, or Matemera claiming his health and sexuality have been harmed by ritualistic practices, the reality is clear: this is a deeply toxic and violent relationship that urgently needs intervention.
With Zimbabwe and other African nations increasingly advocating for mental health awareness and gender-based violence prevention, this case highlights the need for counseling services, support systems, and legal education to help couples navigate conflict without resorting to violence or spiritual manipulation.
What’s Next for the Couple?
With a temporary protection order in place, Matemera is legally shielded from his wife’s alleged actions for the time being. However, the magistrate’s call for counseling suggests that the legal system is not designed to provide permanent solutions in such emotionally charged and culturally complex disputes.
What remains unclear is whether the couple will proceed with separation or divorce, or if they will heed the magistrate’s advice and seek professional help to mend their relationship—or at least reach a peaceful resolution.
This shocking case of alleged ritual abuse and domestic violence in Harare is a stark reminder of the hidden battles many face behind closed doors. As Africa modernizes and the law increasingly intersects with culture, it is vital to have ongoing conversations about the role of traditional beliefs in marriages and how the legal system can better protect individuals from abuse in all its forms.
