In 2004, while working as a general hand at Marondera Central Police Station, the then vivacious Zvikomborero Paunganwa fell in love with the now-late Assistant Commissioner Toddie Thompsen Jangara and believed that all her troubles in life were to be a thing of the past.
By Jairos Saunyama
Their romantic affair soared until 2009 when she became a customary wife to the top law enforcer.
But, against all Paunganwa’s expectations, her life turned into hell.
Her loving husband became an uncontrollable beast who turned her into a punching bag.
On May 6 2009, Paunganwa was severely assaulted by her husband.
They were then staying at the Chitungwiza police camp’s married staff quarters.
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In 2010, the then couple’s problems made headlines in local newspapers after Paunganwa had dragged Jangara to the courts for assault.
“What made the issue interesting was the fact that the top cop was arrogantly boycotting court sessions and nothing was being done about it,” Paunganwa said.
Today, five years after Jangara’s death, Paunganwa continues to suffer from the effects of the assaults of yesteryear.
Last week, the late top cop’s wife broke down a number of times as she poured her heart out.
She revealed how she is now living on borrowed time due to the life-threatening injuries she sustained from one of the “innumerable” beatings.
In one of the attacks, Paunganwa was left with a fractured skull and a blood clot in her head, which need to be removed.
Doctors have recommended that she undergoes an operation in South Africa to have the blood clot in her head removed.
“I was assaulted with a baton by my husband in 2009 and was left with a fractured skull,” she said, narrating her ordeal from her Marondera base.
“It is common knowledge to all who read newspapers that I was in the courts over the assault issue.
“I was treated in both South Africa and Zimbabwe, but during that time, I could not have undergone an operation in South Africa because I was pregnant.
“The effects of the injury have now caught up with me and at times, I think of committing suicide.
“I suffer severe headaches and convulsions. One day if I collapse, I will not wake up.”
According to a letter dated May 21 2009 (REF CB 2548/09) and addressed to Chitungwiza Central Hospital, the officer in charge at ZRP Chitungwiza wrote that
“. . . the complainant states that she was assaulted by a baton stick all over the body by the accused”.
“My situation was worsened by the fact that I took long to get medical attention because police officers were reluctant to open a docket against my husband,” Paunganwa said.
“Medical personnel at Chitungwiza Central Hospital insisted that in order for me to get treated, I should bring the letter from the police.
“I was in pain and even now, I am still in pain.”
Paunganwa, who is now a second-hand clothes vendor in Marondera, says she often collapses and suffers frequent convulsions.
Her condition was confirmed by both local and South African medical experts.
According to an affidavit dated June 22 2009 and signed by one Dr Munyoro R T of Chitungwiza Central Hospital, “there is a possibility of permanent disability
. . . she has developed fits, convulsions and is now epileptic due to head injuries suffered.”
At Chitungwiza Central Hospital, she was told that she suffered a fractured skull before being referred to Harare Central Hospital.
She was not treated until she was taken to various police hospitals.
In December 2009, one Dr Chikati referred her to South Africa, but she could not be operated on because she was six months pregnant.
According to medical papers shown to this paper, Paunganwa visited Hebron Clinic (hospital number 107480/09) in North West Province, South Africa, on December 29 2009, before she was referred to ANC ODI Hospital.
“I failed to return to South Africa because of court issues. I gave birth to my daughter, Talent, on April 2 2010 and failed to raise money to go back to South Africa,” Paunganwa added.
“After the death of Jangara, the police barred me from accessing medical assistance at their health institutions.
“When Jangara was alive, police would sympathise with me, but this is no longer the case. I have even tried to engage them to assist me, but to no avail.
“I now fear for my daughter. Who will take care of her if I collapse and never recover? Sometime in September, I collapsed at Fourth Street bus terminus in Harare while in the company of my daughter. I later regained consciousness at Parirenyatwa Hospital and she was by my side.” .
Paunganwa’s medical records show that she was treated at police medical institutions in Harare between 2009 and 2010.
However, police spokesperson Chief Superintendent Paul Nyathi said the Zimbabwe Republic Police could not assist Paunganwa because she was not recognised as late Jangara’s wife.
“The late Jangara’s estate was handled according to the laws of this country. As police, we are not aware of Zvikomborero Paunganwa as the late Asst Comm Jangara’s wife,” he said.
Paunganwa said she did not have the money needed for her operation in South Africa.
“I have given up because I can’t raise the $15 000 which is required for the head operation. I have applied to several organisations as well as the police, but my efforts have all hit a brick wall,” she said.
Musasa Project director Netty Musanhu said her organisation helped Paunganwa sometime back.
“We once assisted her and she lived at our shelters. As an organisation, we depend on donor resources and the current case of Paunganwa seems to be bigger and we do not have the capacity to help her anymore,” she said.
In a letter dated November 20 2012 and addressed to the then Media, Information and Publicity minister Webster Shamu and signed by Musanhu, Musasa Project begged government to assist Paunganwa in accessing medical attention, but to no avail.
The story of Paunganwa is one of the many untold tales of gender-based violence (GBV) as well as domestic violence victims.
Most victims suffer in silence.
Both physical and mental effects of abuse are still imprinted on their minds, resulting in many of them being traumatised for life.
The government, through the Gender and Women Affairs ministry, has not been forthcoming in embracing and assisting victims of GBV.
For now, Paunganwa remains alone. All she owns is a heap of medical cards that remind her of the painful journey of her life.
