Antony Chawagarira
Harare-A storm is brewing around Agriculture Deputy Minister Davis Marapira after his wife, Sibusisiwe Melody Marapira, filed for divorce at the High Court, bringing explosive allegations of abuse, infidelity and threats into the public spotlight.
The dramatic fallout has also drawn the influential Zion Christian Church family into the spotlight, as Sibusisiwe is the daughter of church leader Bishop Nehemiah Mutendi. Court papers filed under case number HCHF1618/26 state that the couple’s marriage has “irretrievably broken down” after nearly 13 years together. The two tied the knot on September 7, 2013, in Masvingo under the Marriages Act.
In documents submitted before the High Court, Sibusisiwe accuses Marapira of subjecting her to years of physical, emotional and financial abuse. She further alleges that the Deputy Minister repeatedly engaged in adulterous relationships with several women during the course of their marriage.
The court filings also contain disturbing claims that Marapira allegedly threatened her life, allegations that have now intensified public interest in the high-profile separation involving one of Zimbabwe’s politically connected families. Sibusisiwe claims she has since lost all love and affection for her husband and is now seeking sole custody of the couple’s two minor children. The marriage produced three children in total.
She is demanding that Marapira contribute US$500 per month for each child’s upkeep, while also covering school fees, uniforms, tertiary education costs, medical expenses and medical aid. She additionally wants the children to have funding for one regional or international holiday each year. The divorce proceedings have also opened the lid on the family’s extensive wealth and property portfolio.
Among the properties listed in the court application are the couple’s Borrowdale residence on Campbell Road, Lamotte Farm in Masvingo, Government-allocated properties in Beatrice and Borrowdale, as well as a dairy enterprise and several farming assets. Luxury vehicles including a Land Rover Defender, Toyota Land Cruiser, Ford Ranger and Nissan Navara are also part of the contested estate.
According to the court application, Sibusisiwe is seeking a 50 percent share of several matrimonial assets, including Lamotte Farm, while specifically requesting ownership rights to the Borrowdale house. The summons were reportedly served on Marapira on May 18, 2026, in Harare, giving him 10 days to respond should he wish to contest the divorce or the proposed distribution of assets.
Despite the far-reaching claims, Sibusisiwe is not seeking personal spousal maintenance, with court papers indicating that she is gainfully employed.
