By Kayode Sanni-Arewa
A woman from Gokwe, Zimbabwe, has brought her husband before a traditional court, accusing him of neglecting their conjugal rights and making their marriage unbearable.
Irene Chipatu told the traditional court that she and her husband have been married for years and have seven children together.
She stated that their relationship has deteriorated due to a lack of intimacy for nearly one year.
Chipatu explained that her husband experiences erectile dysfunction, which has severely impacted their marital life.
During the court session held on Sunday, March 8, 2026, she revealed that her husband had previously sought treatment from a traditional healer.
The healer prepared herbal medicine that once improved his condition and enabled the couple to maintain a healthy intimate relationship, resulting in the birth of their seven children.
Chipatu stated that the situation has worsened since then.
Chipatu told the court that the “snake” just lies there like a dead log and never rises for any occasion.
She added that without medicine, nothing happens.
She also alleged that her husband deliberately destroys medicines intended to treat his condition and damages prayer items meant to assist him.
Chipatu explained that the ongoing situation has left her frustrated and emotionally neglected, and she fears the marriage may collapse if nothing changes.
The matter has been referred to Chief Chireya for mediation and guidance toward a possible resolution.
The couple has been instructed to return to the traditional court in two weeks.
Traditional leaders at the hearing advised community members to communicate openly about sexual challenges in marriage and to seek medical or traditional help early to prevent serious marital conflicts.
Background on Similar Cases in Zimbabwe Involving Marital Disputes Over Intimacy
Traditional courts in Zimbabwe, particularly in rural areas such as Gokwe, frequently handle marital disputes related to sexual neglect or refusal of conjugal rights.
These cases are often brought under customary law, where marriage is viewed as a partnership that includes mutual sexual obligations.
In February 2025, a woman in Mwenezi district dragged her husband to a local chief’s court, claiming he had refused intimacy for over eight months due to alleged impotence.
The husband admitted to the issue but blamed financial stress and poor health. The chief ordered the couple to seek medical treatment together and report back (The Herald, February 2025).
In October 2024, a 38-year-old woman in Chipinge appeared before a traditional court accusing her husband of withholding sex for nearly two years.
She stated that the neglect had caused emotional distress and threatened the stability of their four children.
The court mediated and directed the husband to undergo traditional healing and counselling (Manica Post, October 2024).
In July 2023, a Gokwe woman took her husband to court over similar complaints of erectile dysfunction and refusal of intimacy for 18 months.
The husband claimed work-related fatigue, but the court ruled that he must seek treatment and ordered both parties to attend marriage counselling sessions (NewsDay Zimbabwe, July 2023).
In March 2024, a Mutoko woman successfully obtained a separation order from a traditional court after her husband consistently refused intimacy for over a year, citing spiritual reasons.
The court found his refusal amounted to constructive desertion under customary law (The Chronicle, March 2024).
These cases illustrate how Zimbabwean traditional courts address sexual neglect as a legitimate ground for marital complaints, often recommending medical intervention, traditional healing, or counselling to preserve families.