Zimbabwe – A woman appeared in court yesterday claiming her ex-husband had turned gay after leaving her for another man. Loveness Chokuvamba claimed her ex-husband, Agripah Chinzou, had abandoned her and their two-year-old toddler, neglecting his responsibilities as a father.

Chokuvamba requested US$150 in maintenance from Chinzou, who works as a housing inspector for a housing cooperative and, in her opinion, could afford to pay the amount. She further alleged that Chinzou had left her for a male lover and was now living with him.

According to Chokuvamba, Chinzou had left their home after stealing some of her property with a man he had introduced to her as his friend. She stated in court that he was now apparently staying with that man as the “wife.”

Chinzou denied the allegations of being gay and stated that he had no problem with taking care of their child. However, he offered only US$50, citing financial constraints.

During the hearing, Magistrate Ayanda Dhlamini ordered Chinzou to pay US$80 in maintenance to support their child.