Police in Bulawayo have expressed concern over rising cases of gender-based violence (GBV), warning that domestic disputes are increasingly turning deadly as spouses assault and kill one another.
Speaking during Culture Day commemorations hosted by female members of the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) in partnership with female pastors in Bulawayo, police spokesperson Inspector Nomalanga Msebele urged couples to seek counselling instead of resorting to violence.
“We encourage people to live peacefully with their spouses in their homes. We receive many reports of men assaulting their wives and wives assaulting their husbands,” said Insp Msebele.
“What is more concerning is that lately these cases are ending in murder. People are losing their lives at the hands of their spouses.”
She said violence in the home was unacceptable and, in some cases, was fuelled by drug and alcohol abuse.
“What we encourage couples to do is seek counselling when they feel things are not going well in their homes. Turning to violence is unacceptable,” she said.
“At times, such violence is a result of people being under the influence of drugs or alcohol.”
Church leaders who attended the event also encouraged couples to resolve disputes amicably and seek help before situations escalate.
Pastor Sibusisiwe Buzizi said disagreements in marriages were normal, but stressed the importance of peaceful conflict resolution.
“Churches are there to help couples reconcile and resolve disputes amicably. It is normal for people in a marriage set-up to have disagreements, but what is important is how the parties involved resolve the matter,” she said.
Buzizi noted that couples often begin noticing previously unseen character traits after moving in together.
“Things tend to be different when people start staying together. It is unlike when they are dating and only spending a few hours together,” she said.
“When you begin living with someone, you start seeing traits that you did not know before. That is why it is important to handle situations amicably.”
She also advised women to leave relationships where violent behaviour emerges early.
“If you start seeing violent behaviour at an early stage in the relationship, it is advisable to leave immediately. A person who lays a hand on you while you are still dating may do worse once you become a wife,” she said.
“Some people choose to stay, convincing themselves that they can change their partner, but that is rarely the case.”
Another pastor said financial difficulties were also contributing to tensions in homes and encouraged couples to support one another economically.
“As couples, we need to normalise helping one another. When a man is struggling to make ends meet, do not just shout at him for failing to provide. Support him as his wife,” the pastor said.
“Look for a job or start a business so that together you can provide for your family.”
Support CITE’s fearless, independent journalism. Your donation helps us amplify community voices, fight misinformation, and hold power to account. Help keep the truth alive. Donate today
Leave a Reply