The Matala Local Court has officially dissolved the marriage between Zolile Sekoati, 39, and his 28-year old wife, ‘Mabafokeng Sekoati, following accusations of spousal abuse and infidelity.
Detailing his reasons for seeking a divorce, Zolile told presiding Court President, Mathuntsi Ntśala, that he and ‘Mabafokeng entered into a customary marriage in 2018.
He stated that the initial years of their marriage were harmonious, but discord began in 2020.
Zolile testified that after consuming alcohol and returning home, he would often black out, at which point ‘Mabafokeng would reportedly check his phone and physically assault him with a slap upon waking. He further alleged that his wife would verbally abuse him in the presence of his friends.
The situation escalated, according to Zolile, when ‘Mabafokeng used a knife to deflate his car’s tyres and subsequently stabbed him when he tried to intervene. Following this incident, Zolile claimed, he began sleeping in his car out of fear.
He also recounted that one morning, he found ‘Mabafokeng had packed her belongings and left for her sister’s residence at Semphethenyane.
Zolile then initiated a family meeting, proposing a temporary separation to allow them both to reflect. However, he stated that Mabafokeng instead suggested a formal divorce.
Zolile noted that during this period, he relinquished all household furniture to his wife, retaining only the television.
He also claimed the family stipulated he should provide rent and food for ‘Mabafokeng until she received her allowance from the National Manpower Development Secretariat.
‘Mabafokeng also presented her account to the court, saying that their marital problems began in 2020 when she discovered Zolile was having affairs with three different women.
She claimed to have found incriminating conversations on his Facebook and WhatsApp accounts. Confrontations ensued, but Zolile consistently denied the allegations. ‘
‘Mabafokeng asserted that Zolile’s behaviour persisted, leading to her decision to move to her sister’s house, hoping for a family intervention.
She explained that she informed Zolile’s brother about his alleged infidelity, who would then speak to Zolile, but his behaviour did not change.
‘Mabafokeng submitted that during the subsequent family meeting, when Zolile suggested a break without specifying a duration, his brother inquired if he still loved his wife, to which Zolile reportedly gave no response.
She said her sister’s husband posed the same question, and again, Zolile remained silent. ‘Mabafokeng noted that when she was asked, she affirmed her love for Zolile. However, when the question was directed back to him, he allegedly stated he no longer loved her.
A follow-up family meeting did not materialise, which led to the court proceedings. ‘Mabafokeng said she did not contest the divorce.
In his concluding statement, Zolile implored the court to grant the divorce, asserting that he could no longer live with ‘Mabafokeng due to their nearly three-year separation and her alleged abusive behaviour.
Court President Ntśala granted the divorce, citing reasons of infidelity and abuse, as well as the prolonged period of separation.
