Bishop Mutendi’s Daughter Files For Divorce From Deputy Minister Marapira Over Abuse Allegations

By Staff Reporter

Sibusisiwe Melody Marapira, daughter of Bishop Samuel Mutendi, has filed for divorce from Zimbabwe’s Deputy Minister of Agriculture, Mechanisation and Water Resources Development, Davis Marapira, citing alleged abuse, adultery and death threats during their marriage.

According to court papers filed at the High Court Family Division in Harare on 17 April 2026, Sibusisiwe claims the marriage has irretrievably broken down due to what she described as “dehumanising, abusive and cruel treatment physically, emotionally and financially.”

The couple married on 7 September 2013 in Masvingo under the Marriages Act and share three children, including two minors.
Abuse And Adultery Allegations Surface

In the divorce summons, Sibusisiwe allegedly accuses Marapira of engaging in multiple adulterous relationships throughout their marriage.

“The defendant persistently maintained adulterous relationships with several women throughout the subsistence of the marriage,” part of the court filing reportedly reads.

She also claims the deputy minister entered into a customary marriage with another woman while still legally married to her.

The court papers further allege physical, emotional and financial abuse, as well as threats to her life during the course of the marriage.

Despite the allegations, Sibusisiwe reportedly told the court that she is financially independent and is not seeking spousal maintenance.
Custody And Property Dispute Expected

Sibusisiwe is seeking sole custody of the couple’s minor children, while proposing visitation rights for Marapira during school and public holidays at his own expense.

She is also demanding child maintenance of US$500 per child every month, in addition to payment of school fees, medical aid, uniforms and tertiary education costs.

The divorce papers reportedly list several assets acquired during the marriage, including:

* Lammote Farm in Masvingo
* A property in Clipsham Township, Masvingo
* The family home in Borrowdale, Harare
* Four vehicles, including a Land Rover Defender and Toyota Land Cruiser
* Livestock and a dairy business

Sibusisiwe is reportedly seeking ownership of the Borrowdale house and a 50 percent share of Lammote Farm.

Previous Allegations Against Marapira Resurface

The divorce case has also revived past allegations made against Marapira in 2023 involving a female student from the National University of Science and Technology.

The Biotechnology student allegedly accused the minister of harassment while he was sponsoring her education.

“He threatens to stop paying my fees at registration time or just before I sit for exams, and this is the time where he knows I am most vulnerable,” the student reportedly claimed at the time.

Reports published in 2023 also alleged that Marapira sent the student romantic messages and invited her to hotels. Her mother reportedly sought intervention from members of the ZANU PF Women’s League.

Marapira reportedly declined to comment on those allegations.