…I was sexually exploited
MARTIN MAWAYA
GWERU-A Mkoba Teachers College administrator ordered to pay US$2,500 in adultery damages claimed she was a victim of workplace sexual exploitation.
She alleged that the institution’s vice principal abused his authority by pursuing a relationship with a subordinate.
The allegations are contained in closing submissions filed by Shylet Mushayavanhu through Tavenhave & Machingauta Legal Practitioners before Gweru magistrate Paida Mafusire delivered her ruling on Thursday.
Mushayavanhu was dragged to court by Chipo Musarurwa for having an adulterous relationship with her husband, Joseph Musarurwa, the vice principal at Mkoba Teachers’ College.
In her submissions, Mushayavanhu argued that the relationship was shaped by an unequal employer-subordinate dynamic, saying Joseph exercised authority over her, leaving her vulnerable to his influence.
“The relationship was not one of equals, but one in which she was vulnerable to the influence and authority of her superior,” the defence submitted.
Her lawyers argued that Joseph abused his position by engaging in a relationship with a junior employee and that Mushayavanhu should also be regarded as a victim.
“The defendant submits that the plaintiff’s husband abused his office by engaging in a relationship with a subordinate. Therefore, the defendant was also a victim of the affair,” the submissions read.
The defence further alleged that Joseph manipulated events by directing Mushayavanhu to contact him while portraying himself as supportive of his wife.
However, Mafusire rejected the defence, finding that Mushayavanhu knowingly entered into a relationship with a married man, causing emotional suffering and humiliation to Chipo.
The court heard that news of the affair spread among colleagues at the college, exposing the plaintiff to embarrassment and damaging her dignity.
Chipo who is a deputy head at Guinea Fowl primary school had sought US$20,000 in damages, comprising US$10,000 for contumelia and US$10,000 for loss of consortium, but the court awarded her US$2,500.
