Sibusisiwe Melody Marapira (née Mutendi), daughter of Zion Christian Church (ZCC) leader Bishop Nehemiah Mutendi, has filed for divorce from Deputy Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Water Resources Development, Davis Marapira.
Court papers filed under case number HCHF1618/26 state that the marriage has “irretrievably broken down” after nearly 13 years.
The couple married in Masvingo on 7 September 2013 under the Marriages Act.
Sibusisiwe is represented by Danana Mharapara Attorneys.
In her declaration to the High Court, she describes a marriage marked by “dehumanising, abusive and cruel treatment”.
She alleges physical, emotional and financial abuse, and claims the deputy minister threatened to kill her.
She also accuses Marapara of having “persistent adulterous relationships with several women” during the marriage.
She alleges that he entered a customary marriage with another woman while still legally married to her. As a result, she says she has lost all love and affection for him.
The couple have three children, two of whom are still minors.
Sibusisiwe is asking for sole custody of the minor children, saying it is in their best interests.
She is seeking maintenance of US$500 per month per child, along with full payment of school fees, uniforms and tertiary education costs.
She also wants Marapira to cover all medical expenses and medical aid, and to fund one international or regional holiday per year for the children.
The divorce filing has put the couple’s wealth in the spotlight. It lists several properties and a fleet of luxury vehicles.
Sibusisiwe is requesting a 50/50 split of many assets.
She is specifically seeking the Borrowdale home at 589 Campbell Road and a 50% share of the 426-hectare Lamotte Farm in Masvingo.
Other assets named include Stand 4, Clipsham Township A in Masvingo, beneficiary rights to government-allocated properties in Beatrice, Borrowdale and Masvingo, and a dairy business at Lamotte Farm.
She is also seeking access to high-end vehicles: a Land Rover Defender, Toyota Land Cruiser, Ford Ranger and a Nissan Navara.
Also contested are farm machinery and equipment, including three centre pivots, two tractors and a milking machine set.
The summons, dated 17 April 2026, was served by the Sheriff of Zimbabwe on 18 May 2026 at an address on Liberation Legacy Way in Harare.
Marapira has 10 days from the date of service to enter an appearance to defend if he wishes to contest the divorce or the proposed division of assets.
According to the latest filings, Sibusisiwe, who is employed, is not seeking spousal maintenance for herself.
